Klagenfurt brings Maria Lassnig's studio to new life!

Klagenfurt brings Maria Lassnig's studio to new life!

The former studio of the renowned artist Maria Lassnig in Klostergasse in Klagenfurt is revitalized to create a new space for art and creativity. Governor and cultural officer Peter Kaiser officially presented the project, which aimed to establish a publicly accessible location for exchange and cultural events. The initiative is supported by a cooperation agreement that ensures the preservation of the studio in which significant creative processes have already taken place.

The project includes the rental and adaptation of the approximately 130 square meter upper floor, which includes not only the studio, but also Lassnig's former salon as well as a kitchen and other rooms. These areas are intended for exhibitions, workshops, readings and symposia to promote the artistic heritage and the creative dialogue in Carinthia. The opening of the revitalized studio is planned for autumn 2025. The Maria Lassnig Private Foundation has already developed a comprehensive exhibition concept that includes both museum presence as well as technical and structural adaptations, such as Click Carinthia reported.

A sustainable art and cultural project

The monthly rental costs for the studio are around 1,600 euros, whereby the city and country will bear half of the costs. Supporting 30,000 euros by the Klagenfurt tourism association and additional investments from the city and country underline the commitment to this cultural heritage. The rental agreement was scheduled until 2039, which guarantees the long -term security of the studio.

The cultural city councilor Franz Petritz emphasizes the central role of the studio for the creative dialogue and the art tradition in Carinthia. Creating the context of Lassnigs, which was considered one of the first women with a professorship for painting in German -speaking countries, is particularly remarkable. She brought a breath of fresh air to the art scene by putting internal conditions and creative visions from a female perspective in her works.

The legacy of Maria Lassnig

Maria Lassnig was born in Kappel am Krappfeld in 1919 and lived in Klagenfurt from 1925. As a child, she showed extraordinary drawing talent and finally studied painting in Vienna. Her artistic work led her to Paris and New York, and she took responsibility as a professor at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. There she shaped many generations of artists and was not only honored several times, but also invited as an Austrian representative at the Biennale in Venice.

A significant part of her artistic heritage is also visible through Maria Nicolini's commitment, which organized an open day in the studio on the occasion of Lassnig's 100th birthday. The event attracted around 2,000 visitors and resulted in a petition of around 1,500 supporters for the permanent opening of the studio. Nicolini, who has dealt intensively with Lassnig's life and work, also intends to publish a book about the artist in order to keep her story alive.

Women in art

Maria Lassnig's contribution to art and the challenges she faced are part of a larger trend in art history, such as Artbooksheidelberg illustrates. Women have always been active in art, but patriarchal structures have often suppressed their influence. Maria Lassnig is one of those few artists whose works are recognized not only in their time, but also posthumously. Her art questioned social norms and became part of the feminist movement, which redefined the place of women in art history.

The upcoming revitalization process of her studio is not only a tribute to your achievements, but also a testimony that the creative expression is promoted and valued today.