Herbert Brandl, Franz West, Otto Zitko

May 09 – June 04, 1990

Friday, May 11, 1990, 6:00 pm

Panel Discussion

In conjunction with its exhibition of Austrian artists Herbert Brandl, Franz West, and Otto Zitko, The Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago presents a panel discussion on the rich tradition of Austrian art-making. Panel members include Dr. Helmut Draxler, Austrian art historian, Vienna; Jan Hoet, Director of the Museum Van Hedendiagse Kunst, Ghent, and Director of Documenta 9; Dr. Wilfried Skreiner, Neue Galerie am Landesmuseum, Joanneum Graz, Austria; Dr. Annelie Pohlen, Director of the Bonner Kunstverein, Bonn; and Denys Zacharapoulos, Professor of Art Theory at the School of Visual Arts, Geneva, and co-curator of Documenta 9.
The panel will address the possibility of Austrian painting, drawing, and sculpture being sufficiently appreciated and understood in broader European and American contexts. The sensuous complexity and psychological specificity of Austrian art suggests that its deeper significance does not translate into the cultural diversity of the Western world. Panel members will formally discuss this artistic phenomenon, as well as measure its continued relevance and survival in light of recent developments in Eastern Europe and the European Common Market coming in 1992.

This event is in cooperation with the Austrian Cultural Institute, The Lakeside Group, and the 11th annual Chicago International Art Exposition.