Brian Jungen's Sculptural Art at Secession: Exploring Cultural Fusion and Critique

This exhibition showcases the sculptures of Brian Jungen, an artist of Dàne-Zaa heritage, whose work critically examines cultural fusion and the intersection of indigenous and Western traditions. The exhibition features works made from everyday industrial products, highlighting themes of consumerism, cultural appropriation, and aesthetic language as a tool for critique.

The exhibition in the Secession presents a comprehensive overview of the works of Brian Jungen, an artist whose sculptures are pivotal in current discussions around ethnological and cultural-evolutionary perspectives. Jungen, who belongs to the Dàne-Zaa people of Canada, does not aim to revive a marginalized visual language but rather demonstrates culture as a fusion of diverse elements. This challenges notions of authenticity and the primacy of either indigenous or dominant Western traditions, emphasizing the role of aesthetic language in emancipatory cultural critique. Internationally recognized for his series "Prototype for New Understanding" (1998-2003), Jungen crafts masks by sewing together disassembled Nike Air Jordan basketball shoes, evoking ceremonial masks from Northwest Coast indigenous art with their color correspondences. His "Shapeshifter" (2000) and "Cetology" (2002) series, featuring whale skeletons constructed from mass-produced plastic chairs, similarly mimic museum natural history displays while engaging with indigenous mythology. These works, along with "Untitled" (2001) made from valuable cedarwood palettes, highlight the dual function of industrial products as commodities and aesthetic objects, prompting reflection on global capitalism's exploitation of resources and labor. The exhibition in Vienna marks Jungen's first major presentation in Europe and includes a newly constructed whale skeleton for the Secession.

Visitors can purchase tickets for the Secession through the provided link. General information and ticketing details are available on the museum's website, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.