Contemporary art within old walls - special exhibition 2024
The special exhibition in 2024 at the Museum of Contemporary Art provides representative insights into the collection of contemporary art that has been under development since 1997. This latest collection by the Admont Abbey includes over 1000 works from approximately 180 predominantly Austrian artists born in the second half of the 20th century.
Contemporary art at Admont Abbey - tradition and innovation in dialogue
In 1997, the Admont Abbey started building a collection of contemporary art. This initiative was closely tied to the simultaneous redesign of the outdated museum that began in the same year. After five years of reconstruction, the museum was reopened in 2003. The museum, equipped according to the latest international standards, spans three floors and the attic.
Review of contemporary art
LOCATIONS – MADE FOR ADMONT #PHOTOGRAPHY
The 2021 special exhibition represented the broad spectrum of MADE FOR ADMONT photographs with a selection from the monastery's own collection.
Contemporary art collection since 1997
Since 1997, Admont Abbey has continuously been building up a collection of contemporary art. This collection currently contains more than 1,500 individual works, mainly from the middle of the 20th century, by more than 160 artists who were born or worked in Austria.
It consists of two parts: Studio and gallery purchases, as well as commissioned MADE FOR ADMONT art. In recent years, a number of artists have created important works and groups of works at the invitation of the Abbey.
The connection of those who are blind and those who can see
A worldwide speciality is the special collection "JENSEITS DES SEHENS – Kunst verbindet Blinde und Sehende" (Beyond seeing – art connects those who are blind and those who can see).
These works of art, which have been created especially for the Admont Collection since 2002, do not focus on perceiving things through one's eyes. They have been designed for the visually impaired, those who are blind and those who can see, with the highest quality standards and initiate a dialogue.
the diversity of contemporary art
The collection also encompasses substantial bodies of work by selected artists, such as the "Stiftung Hannes Schwarz" received by the monastery in 2002. Another robust group consists of works by representatives of the "New Painting" movement from the 1980s, who have evolved in various directions. Through continuous acquisitions, long-term loans, and donations, the collection is in an engaging, dynamic process of development. In addition to artworks by established artists who have made a name for themselves not only in Austria but also internationally, the collection frequently acquires pieces from young or lesser-known artists who demonstrate compelling work. Whenever possible, Admont Abbey strives to support the further development opportunities of young, not yet established artists.
