Kristina Leko's "Beweis Nr. 4": An Exhibition Exploring Universal Artistry and Social Interaction

This exhibition by Kristina Leko reinterprets the 19th-century art salon concept, presenting paintings and furniture from private collections alongside works created by unemployed individuals in a workshop she led. The exhibition delves into shared cultural resources and facilitates interaction between diverse social groups, questioning the societal role of art.

Kristina Leko's exhibition, 'Beweis Nr. 4: Jede/r Mensch ist ein/e Künstler/in' (Proof No. 4: Every person is an artist), presented in 2006, was conceived as a reinterpretation of the late 19th-century art salon. It showcased a dialogue between paintings and furniture sourced from private art collections and works produced by individuals who participated in a portrait drawing workshop led by the artist in Vienna. This 'social experiment with ethical and aesthetic consequences,' as Leko described it, aimed to foster interaction between different social groups and explore the potential of art as a tool for engagement. The artist drew inspiration from Joseph Beuys's ideas on broad participation in cultural processes and investigated art's societal role, particularly its capacity to make marginalized groups visible and to effect change in perceptions. The exhibition's visual identity was based on Leko's 'Twelve Basic Rules for an Ethics for Artists,' which advocate for cultural democracy and unrestricted use rights for public venues. Leko's focus was not solely on the final product but equally on the process and the quality of experiences for participants, highlighting how the interplay of different perspectives can lead to the canonization of artworks. Within the Graphic Cabinet, Leko revived the salon atmosphere, inviting collaboration with members of the Friends of the Secession and participants from the 'Volkshilfe Beschäftigung' (a social welfare organization). Visitors were encouraged to explore an installation that merged amateur art with works displayed in the Secession, posing the question of whether 'Beweis Nr. 4' holds true – if indeed every person is an artist.

Information regarding tickets can be found via a provided link to the Secession's shop. General opening hours for the Secession are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. The specific exhibition details do not mention separate ticketing requirements beyond general museum admission. As the exhibition dates are from 2006, current ticketing information is not applicable for this historical record.