Exploring Post-War Art and Critical Realism: 'Wirklichkeit als Haltung: Wiener Realismus nach 1950' in Vienna

This exhibition explores the 'Wiener Realisten' movement, a significant counter-movement to dominant post-war art styles in Vienna. It examines their critical approach to art, focusing on the reality of political and social situations rather than mere depiction, and their pursuit of a new humanistic worldview.

The exhibition 'Wirklichkeit als Haltung: Wiener Realismus nach 1950' delves into the significant artistic counter-movement that emerged in Vienna following World War II. The core group, formed in 1954 by artists including Georg Eisler, Hans Escher, Alfred Hrdlicka, Fritz Martinz, Rudolf Schönwald, and Rudolf Schwaiger, sought to confront National Socialism through their work, notably with the graphic cycle 'Soldatentreffen,' predating similar efforts in other countries. The exhibition positions the 'Wiener Realisten' against accusations of alignment with propagandistic socialist realism or Nazi-era realism, clarifying that their concept of realism was rooted in addressing the political and social realities of their time, influenced by existentialism and advocating for a new humanistic perspective. The exhibition extends this exploration to later artistic tendencies that echo this critical approach. It showcases a broad spectrum of artists associated with this movement and its subsequent manifestations, emphasizing a focus on the lived reality and social commentary over pure aesthetic representation. Curated by Berthold Ecker and Brigitte Borchhardt-Birbaumer, the exhibition provides a comprehensive look at this influential period in Viennese art.

Admission to the exhibition is free. Further information on prices and free offers can be found under 'Visitor Information'. The exhibition is located at musa, 1010 Vienna, Felderstraße 6–8, with current opening hours from 10:00 to 18:00 daily, except on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.