English
Some of the most important avant-garde movements were born in the 50s. Without a doubt one of them is the Viennese Actionism that assumes the substantiality of body and objects to later decontextualize to move the viewer to a new aesthetic experience.
Inspired by the American Fluxus and happenings the Viennese created their own art movement based on their own provocations and illusions to renew the field of art and break new barriers. The group emerged around Hermann Nitsch, Otto Muehl and Günther Brus, who separated again in the 70s to go their own ways.
On November 12th the MUMOK in Vienna opened „Direct Art“ an exhibition that examines the interrelationships between Viennese Actionism and Pop Art, happenings and the Nouveau Realisme to reveal their own influence on each other. An exhibit that proves that the Viennese movement was on the same level with other international art movements of the time, when it comes to its radicalness and determinism. One of its most known representatives is Hermann Nitsch whose provocative happenings made him famous, such as the „Theater-Orgie-Mysterium.“ In those happenings Nitsch and his helpers executed bloodthirsty rituals with animal cadavers. With these performances Nitsch wanted to shock the viewer and evoke his disgust to reach a catharsis-like reaction. This way he wanted to make propaganda for a mystic and spiritual art form.
More information: http://www.mumok.at/programm/ausstellungen/direct-art/
Heloise Battista
If you would like to find out more about this interesting art movement we recommend renting apartments in Vienna The exhibition will be open until the 29th of May.?
Translated by: salome antigone
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