Art enthusiasts in Vienna are being urged to act quickly as three major exhibitions at the city's premier cultural institutions are nearing their closing dates. The exhibitions, spanning from radical female modernist artists to contemporary British sensation Damien Hirst, represent diverse periods and movements in art history that visitors shouldn't miss.
The Lower Belvedere is currently hosting "Radical! Women Artists and Modernism 1910-1950," which enters its final three weeks before closing on October 12. This comprehensive exhibition showcases the revolutionary work of female artists who challenged conventions during the early to mid-20th century. The show features artists whose biographies are filled with unconventional stories - some rightfully remembered, others unjustly forgotten by history. Visitors can discover lesser-known pioneers such as Charley Toorop, Marlow Moss, and Anton (Anna) Prinner, alongside more familiar names. The exhibition highlights the significant contributions of women to modernist movements, including feminist performance art pioneer Claude Cahun, whose 1927 work "I Am in Training Don't Kiss Me" exemplifies the bold, gender-questioning spirit of the era.
At the Albertina Modern, Damien Hirst's first major exhibition in Austria is drawing crowds until October 8. Surprisingly, this marks the British artist's debut large-scale show in the country, focusing primarily on his graphic works while still presenting all his most famous sensations - a reference to the title of the debut show of the Young British Artists movement. Visitors can experience Hirst's most iconic pieces, including the preserved shark in formaldehyde from "Away from the Flock" (1994), his signature colorful spot paintings, and the diamond-encrusted skull. The exhibition demonstrates everything that defines Hirst's artistic identity, from his morbid fascination with death and preservation to his exploration of beauty and mortality through contemporary materials.
The Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) presents a more intimate experience with "Imperial Children," running until October 5. This charming cabinet exhibition brings together two remarkable portraits of princesses who would later become empresses. The show features works by masters Diego Velázquez and Anton Raphael Mengs, including Mengs' 1773 portrait of Marie-Therese of Bourbon-Sicily, Princess of Naples. These intimate presentations offer a refreshing contrast to the museum's typically grand displays, allowing visitors to examine these historical portraits in detail.
All three exhibitions maintain regular hours, with the Belvedere and Albertina Modern open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, while the KHM operates Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended Thursday hours until 9 PM. Art lovers are advised not to delay, as these diverse exhibitions offer unique perspectives on artistic expression across different centuries and movements, from radical modernist women breaking barriers to contemporary artists challenging traditional concepts of art and mortality.
