Erwin Wurm's creative world: sculptures and insights into Bad Ischl!

Erwin Wurm's creative world: sculptures and insights into Bad Ischl!

Erwin Wurm's upcoming exhibition in Bad Ischl, which opens on May 17, 2025, promises an exciting insight into the multifaceted work of the internationally recognized artist. This retrospective, which will be on view until October 26, 2025, includes approximately 50 exhibits, including many sculptures made from materials such as fabric, metal, acrylic, marble and glass. Small newspaper reports that the exhibition is curated by Alfred Weidinger, director of Landes-Kultur-GmbH, and Lucas Cuturi.

The show takes place in the former imperial summer residence, the Imperial Villa, and the works on display focus on personal insights into Wurm's life over the last three decades. The works deal with important aspects of life, including childhood experiences such as powerlessness and confinement. The highlights of the exhibition include the sculptural work “Fat House” from 2003 and “Fat Convertible” from 2019, both of which reflect central themes of Wurm's artistic work.

Diverse exhibits and interactive elements

Visitors can look forward to numerous innovative works. Five hot water bottles made of Murano glass, titled “Mother”, symbolize social security and warmth. Another important object is the “Star” boat, a sailing ship with an extreme curve, which was created especially for the exhibition and is positioned in the first room on the ground floor. Culinary elements of Austrian folk culture, such as the extra sausage roll, also find their place in the residence's former kitchen.

In addition, the “One Minute Sculptures” will be part of the exhibition from July, where visitors can pose with everyday objects in an interactive way, which impressively underlines Wurm's play with the art of performance. Inside the “Fat House” there will be a small cinema where a selection of Wurm’s video works can be seen.

Cultural significance and other events

Governor Thomas Stelzer (ÖVP) highlights the international aspirations of the Salzkammergut cultural region and emphasizes the importance of the exhibition for Upper Austria this year. In addition, a photographic exhibition of Wurm's work can be seen at the Francisco Carolinum Linz until September 7th, 2025, and from June 18th new ceramic works with paradoxical depictions of people will be presented at the Gmundner Ceramics Manufactory.

The exhibition in the Marmorschlössl Bad Ischl is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., shortened to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in October. It will not only show the diversity of Wurm's artistic work, but also transform his sense of merging art and everyday life into a unique experience. Every visitor interested in art can immerse themselves in Wurm's profound examination of topics such as socialization, education and the human condition.