Verena Dengler Exhibition at Secession: A Critical Examination of Art World Mechanisms

This exhibition by Verena Dengler critically examines the art world's mechanisms, historical conditions, and economic structures through installations, objects, and various media. It draws parallels between the Secession's founding era and contemporary issues, exploring themes of romanticism, subculture, and self-optimization.

Verena Dengler's exhibition, 'Die Galeristin und der schoene Antikapitalist auf der Gothic G'stettn (Corona Srezessionsession Dengvid-20 :) )', critically engages with the art world, its inherent mechanisms, and historical conditions. The artist creates a 'landscape' within the Secession space, featuring a pond and wild terrain, which serves as a platform for visitors to encounter further works and elements. The exhibition concept is inspired by the Secession's founding era and its exhibition practices, as well as the ongoing influence of Romanticism and its associated concepts like individuality, emotion, the sublime, and its darker aspects of melancholy and societal critique. These themes resonate through subcultures and popular culture, impacting social and political spheres, social media, and flexible work environments. Dengler's work highlights the interplay between past and present, dominant and subversive forces, reflecting on the commodification of art and the precarious situation of artists, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exhibition title itself, referencing a literary project by the artist, humorously dissects art world mechanics, self-staging, and marketing. The 'Gothic G'stettn' imagery combines urban wasteland with romanticized, mysterious landscapes, symbolizing anarchic counterculture and drawing on historical subcultural and political movements. The exhibition features collaborations with various individuals and entities, including Barbara Urbanic (religious historian), Itai Margula (exhibition architecture), Astrid Meyerfeld and Leon Kahane (for a 'Kunstwelt-Groschenroman' project), and others who contributed to performances and publications. A special publication expands on the exhibition with contributions from notable writers. The work also references Bösendorfer's 'Architecture Series' pianos and critiques the commercialization of art through staged gallery booths, referencing historical antisemitic caricatures within its conceptual framework.

Ticket information is available and visitors are directed to an external booking platform for purchases. The page also mentions general opening hours and days for visiting the Secession. Visitor Information: Di-So / 10-18 Uhr (Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM) Tickets can be purchased via https://shop.eventjet.at/secession.