Exhibition Design
Location: Kurpark Bad Ischl
Area: 1.800 m2
Client: European Capital of Culture Salzkammergut Bad Ischl 2024
Graphic Design: Tape Studio
Curation: Nadia Rapp-Wimberger, Hannes Leidinger, Christian Rapp
Illustration: Lenz Mosbacher
Realisation: Martina Berger
Year: 2024
Fotos & Videos: © Teresa Novotny
Team
Dawit Kassaw, Klaudia Lisak, Gerhard Abel
New perspectives on the decline of the Habsburg monarchy
When the old political order collapsed at the end of the First World War in 1918, the reality of the Habsburg Empire became a myth that continues to have an impact to this day - not only in Austria, but also in the rest of Europe. The ‘imperial town’ of Bad Ischl becomes the centre of attention as well as the focus of a romanticised Habsburg narrative. Yet Bad Ischl in particular is a reminder of fatal decisions made by the imperial family. For it was here that Franz Joseph I decided to take up arms in the summer of 1914 - the year that marked the beginning of the First World War.
As part of the European Capital of Culture 2024, the history of the Habsburg monarchy is being critically reappraised: an exhibition in the centre of the Kurpark Bad Ischl invites visitors and passers-by to engage in a site-sensitive and multi-sensory debate. ‘K.u.k. critical and controversial’ sheds light on the legacy of the monarchy, whose influence can still be felt today.
TWO SIDES TO EVERY (HI)STORY
The central elements of the exhibition are nine double steles made of polished sheet steel. The fronts of the steles are decorated with informative texts and graphics, while the rear surfaces are mirrored. Illustrations of falling eagle feathers symbolise the decline of the ruling family. Text, images and mirrored surfaces invite reflection on a complex world of themes.
THE MIRROR AS NARRATIVE
The mirrored surfaces distributed throughout the park offer alternative perspectives on kitsch, cliché and historical falsification - viewers and the location are integrated into the exhibition narrative.
IRRITATION, ACTIVATION AND SENSITISATION
CHANGE AS A CONSTANT
The gradual inclination of the stelae from 0 to 15 degrees symbolises the progressive loss of stability and power of the monarchy until its final collapse.
Accompanying events complement the intervention in public space. The exhibition ‘k.u.k. kritisch und kontrovers’ can be visited free of charge in the Kurpark Bad Ischl until the end of the year.
Project Partners
Europäische Kulturhauptstadt Bad Ischl 2024 https://salzkammergut-2024.at/
Tape Studio https://tape.studio/
Nadia Rapp-Wimberger & Christian Rapp https://www.rapp-wimberger.com/
Lenz Mosbacher http://www.lenzmosbacher.com/
Martina Berger http://www.martina-berger.com/
