Scandal around Wurm: Two sculptures for parliament removed!

Erwin Wurm schafft zwei Skulpturen für Oberösterreichs Parlament. Rückabwicklung durch Walter Rosenkranz sorgt für Kontroversen.
Erwin Wurm creates two sculptures for Upper Austria's parliament. Walter Rosary reversal ensures controversy. (Symbolbild/ANAGAT)

Scandal around Wurm: Two sculptures for parliament removed!

The storm in the water glass around the return of Erwin Wurms sculptures currently makes waves in the political and cultural space of Austria. The National Council President Walter Rosenkranz (FPÖ) reversed the once made installation decision, which was made under his predecessor Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP) in 2024 for contemporary art in the parliament building. This decision and the associated reactions have a skill light on the discussion about contemporary art in public space and their access for the population.

The renowned artist Erwin Wurm received the order for two sculptures of the "Skins" series, which should be installed in the upper vestibule of the parliament. However, the discussion about these sculptures has been re -sparked by the reversal by rosary. Wurm had already expressed concerns in advance that those responsible could possibly remove his work. This concern now fulfilled when Rosenkranz initiated the reversal and referred to the buyback clause contained in the contract. According to the Kurier , the costs for the acquisition of the sculptures were 240,000 euros.

criticism and pride

The decision to return met with sharp criticism from Sobotka, who considered the return as "shameful". He believes that this limits access to contemporary art for the population and even endangers Austria's identity. The discussion about the value and importance of art in public space is more current than ever, especially if you consider that works of art in cities play an important role in the formation of identity and the creation of community rooms. Class = "Source_2"> The press refers to the fact that these sculptures have just been placed in one place that should be accessible to all citizens.

However,

Wurm itself is calm about the situation and reports that his works are successful abroad. Two of his sculptures now find new locations: "Gate" goes as a gift to the art palace in Düsseldorf, while "Holding Up" merges into the hands of a collector in Styria. Some will ask the question of whether the entire incident was simply a storm in the water glass that reflects more adjustment than actual concerns about art itself.

art in public space

The topic of art in public space has gained enormously in importance in recent decades. Works such as the nanas by Niki de Saint Phalle or the Reichstag reverling by Christo and Jeanne-Claude show how diverse and provocative this art form can be. This type of art not only promotes dealing with contemporary topics, but can also initiate discussions that are important in society. A quick look at the Wikipedia shows that art plays a fundamental role in the feeling of community and contributes significantly to how we perceive our environments.

Not only worm, but also other artists now take the opportunity to draw attention to how art and society are interwoven while they present their works in a new light at the same time. It remains to be seen how this chapter for contemporary art will be continued in Austria and whether art will be subject to other rules in the future.

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OrtBad Ischl, Österreich
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