Artful Krampus masks: tradition meets modernity in the Celtic Museum!

Artful Krampus masks: tradition meets modernity in the Celtic Museum!

An exciting artist talk with the renowned carving artists Stefan Koidl and Werner Singer starts at the Hallein Celtic Museum on Friday, December 20th at 3 p.m. On the occasion of the current special exhibition “Krampus & Co”, which can be seen until February 2, 2025, the two artists will provide insights into their work. They shed light on training paths, the importance of artistic handwriting and the influence of customer wishes on the design of the famous Krampus masks. As MyDistrict.at reported, the exhibition offers a wide range of insights into the artistic production of these masks, which are not only interpreted traditionally but also in a modern way.

The exhibition goes deep into the roots of Krampus customs, which date back to the 17th century. Visitors can experience the development of mask art up close. Over 40 unique masks, carved by artists from the Tennengau region and Bavaria, show the entire range of carving crafts and honor the long tradition of this art form. Nativity displays used to be the focus of the museum, but this year the Krampus is celebrated. Linossi Art Story highlights that mask carving is not only a fascinating craft tradition, but also represents an economic basis for many sculptors.

The art of carving

The Celtic Museum intends to use this exhibition to highlight the craft of carving. The tradition of carving has a deep-rooted history in Hallein and Bavaria, going back to the miners and brewhouse workers of the archdiocese. Using the most modern techniques, the masks are made from white pine, a favorite wood of the carvers. Christa Linossi reported that carving a mask can take between 25 and 30 hours and the finished works can weigh up to 13 kilograms. The exhibition therefore promises not only a fascinating but also an educational experience, and the visit is open to anyone interested!