Exhibit Studio

The Academy’s Exhibit Studio is the exhibition space for students and run by students. It is located in the Academy building at Schillerplatz on the 1st floor. This academical year it is coordinated and curated by Olga Shapovalova and Christian Azzouni. Both are studying at the Academy and work at the Contemporary Exhibitions Office. In 2023 they plan to organise four shows. 

For the fourth and the last group exhibition that will be opened on the 8th of November students are invited to submit any form of work.

Submission topic

The last group exhibition, curated by studio coordinators Olga Shapovalova and Christian Azzouni, reveals an evolution of the past topics, as always linked to a critical examination of the lives of young student artists. Within this context, the story of an emerging young artist unfolds as they are incessantly confronted with the question of their identity. 

The contemporary generation of emerging artists faces a complex and multifaceted landscape. They have grown up in an era in which networking and increasing globalization are redefining concepts of culture, identity, and community. In this highly interconnected world, young artists are grappling with a variety of positions. The diversity of perspectives in the world allows them to draw inspiration across cultural boundaries and explore new forms of artistic expression.

In the upcoming last exhibition, we'll delve into profound questions about identity, such as who are we? Are there only boxes of identity or can identity be fluid? We're wondering what art means in a world that can sometimes be really confusing and messy? Is it still able to inspire hope, bring new notions and change the world or is it destined to succumb to the overpowering influence of the art market, mass culture, and the fragile impersonal milieu we inhabit?

The topics of individual identity and how it is being reflected in artistic practice is another important focus of our exhibition that emerges from the questions above. Young artists use art to express their personal experiences, thoughts and emotions. This creates an exciting tension between the self and the work. Artistic practice becomes a field of experimentation in which questions of origin, belonging, gender, sexuality and other aspects of identity are explored.

However, the symbiotic relationship between artistic pursuit and individuality is not without its dangers. The contemporary landscape we are moving through has a powerful force that calls for the harmonious coexistence of unity and individuality. The new normalcy is to be different. How, in this search for the true different self, not to lose the real self? It can inadvertently blur the very essence it seeks to reveal. The rationalisation of consciousness in the pursuit of understanding unwittingly leads to the loss of the wonder that was once in our perception.

Summarising our year's work, in our final exhibition we want to manifest that we are who we are. The exhibition not only emphasises the important role of contemporary artists in identity-related issues, but also resonates deeply with the fundamental questions at the core of human existence. 

What can be submitted?

We ask that only finished projects and/or works be submitted for this purpose. The medium is free to choose, and we are open to performance and live acts at the opening. 

Who can participate?

Students from all departments of the Academy can apply for the open call.

Aims

The Exhibit Studio sees itself as an open space that is inclusive of all practices and creates space for critical conversations and experimentation. In this exhibition we want to create a safe-space for obsessions and invite viewers and artists to experience and reflect it.

Collective responsibilities

The Exhibit Studio is a place of shared responsibility. This means that the artists/students are largely responsible for the installation & deinstallation of their work. The coordinators (Olga Shapovalova & Christian Azzouni) run the planning of the exhibition and support the artists in their requests. They coordinate the production of invitation cards, the graphic material, support the promotion of the event and are available for questions regarding the organisations and installation, if needed.

Budget

There is a budget for each exhibition incl. artists fee. 

Submission

Participation is open to all students currently enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Submissions should be uploaded as a one (1) PDF file (max. 10 MB, max 20 pages A4 format) via the platform https://calls.akbild.ac.at/ and include the following:

• written proposal (approx. 1 A4 page)
• image of the art work, sketches for performances
• brief curriculum vitae (max. 1/2 A4 page).
• portfolio with the newes and avalaible works (max. 10 pages, A4)

collected in one PDF!

The name of the file needs to include the student’s name. E.g. Surname_We.

Submission deadline: 24.9.2023, 11 h

Further info

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask via email: exhibitstudio@akbild.ac.at