Hermann Nitsch: Gesamtkunstwerk

“Hermann Nitsch: Gesamtkunstwerk” showcases nearly 60 years of the Vienna Actionist’s revolutionary work, highlighting his exploration of the gesamtkunstwerk, or total artwork. The exhibition includes diverse media, techniques, and philosophical reflections, with pieces drawn from Graz collectors and the Nitsch Foundation in Vienna. Central to the display is material from Nitsch’s monumental six-day “O.M. Theater”, a profound embodiment of his artistic vision.
The display also features Jonas Mekas’ film “Scenes from the Life of Hermann Nitsch”, celebrating their decades-long friendship. Installed in a dedicated space, the film captures shared experiences, including Nitsch’s 1986 visit to Lithuania, underscoring the profound creative exchange between the artists.
Curated by Lina Albrikienė and Roman Grabner, the exhibition examines themes of ritual, corporeality, and the interplay of brutality and transcendence, offering a compelling insight into Nitsch’s bold and provocative practice.