Contemporary art in the museum of Admont Abbey
A dialogue between tradition and innovation
Contemporary art within old walls - special exhibition
The special exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art provides a representative insight into the collection of contemporary art, which has been growing since 1997 and now comprises over 1000 works.
The show features Austrian painting from the 1980s onwards as well as works from the unique "JENSEITS DES SEHENS" collection, which combines art for the blind and sighted. Contemporary art enters into dialogue with historical art in two areas. The exhibition is complemented by a thematic section on life, death and resurrection as well as a separate section on the multimedia project "Zeitperlen" by Johannes Deutsch.
Zankl meets Schwarz
In a section of the Museum of Contemporary Art, the development of two artists who were important for the Styrian art scene in the post-war period becomes tangible: Hannes Schwarz (1926 - 2014) and Gustav Zankl (*1929). Expressive art meets concrete art. Both artists are united by an ethic of art that promotes critical thinking.
Counterworlds memorial project - Hannes Schwarz (1926-2014)
Networked - Evening of dialogue on the artistic work of Hannes Schwarz
Contemporary art at Admont Abbey - tradition and innovation in dialogue
In 1997, the Admont Abbey started building a collection of contemporary art. This initiative was closely tied to the simultaneous redesign of the outdated museum that began in the same year. After five years of reconstruction, the museum was reopened in 2003. The museum, equipped according to the latest international standards, spans three floors and the attic.
The diversity of contemporary art
The collection also includes larger groups of works by selected artists, such as the "Hannes Schwarz Foundation", which was donated to the monastery in 2002. A strong group is also made up of works by representatives of "New Painting" from the 1980s, who have continued to develop in a wide variety of directions. Through permanent acquisitions, permanent loans and donations, the collection is undergoing an exciting, dynamic process of expansion.
In addition to works of art by established artists who have made a name for themselves not only in Austria but also internationally, works by young or lesser-known but convincing artists are also purchased from time to time. Wherever possible, the Foundation endeavours to support the further development of young, not yet established artists.
Contemporary art collection since 1997
Since 1997, Admont Abbey has continuously been building up a collection of contemporary art. This collection currently contains more than 1,500 individual works, mainly from the middle of the 20th century, by more than 160 artists who were born or worked in Austria.
It consists of two parts: Studio and gallery purchases, as well as commissioned MADE FOR ADMONT art. In recent years, a number of artists have created important works and groups of works at the invitation of the Abbey.
The connection between blind and sighted people
A worldwide speciality is the special collection "JENSEITS DES SEHENS – Kunst verbindet Blinde und Sehende" (Beyond seeing – art connects those who are blind and those who can see).
These works of art, which have been created especially for the Admont Collection since 2002, do not focus on perceiving things through one's eyes. They have been designed for the visually impaired, those who are blind and those who can see, with the highest quality standards and initiate a dialogue.
