Belvedere

Wotruba International

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Fritz Wotruba (1907-1975), Belvedere 21 will host a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to this significant Austrian sculptor. Historically, Wotruba's work has often been viewed either monographically or in terms of his influence on subsequent generations. This presentation will focus on Wotruba’s international exhibition activities and network, as well as the broader reception of his sculptures. Wotruba maintained connections with several artists, including Henry Moore, Alberto Giacometti, Germaine Richier, and Marino Marini; he shared the platform with them at thematic or sculpture-focused exhibitions in the 1950s and 1960s. By presenting selected sculptures by Wotruba alongside notable works by his contemporaries such as Louise Nevelson, Kenneth Armitage, and Isamu Noguchi, this exhibition aims to explore fundamental questions related to sculpture after 1945. It thus provides a fresh perspective on Fritz Wotruba, who played a pivotal role in Austrian sculpture after 1945 and was a significant voice in the international discourse on the human image within postwar Modernism.

Ashley Hans Scheirl

The extensive retrospective of Ashley Hans Scheirl at Belvedere 21 covers a broad timeline from the 1970s to the present, showcasing new works created specifically for this exhibition. Since the late 1970s, Ashley Hans Scheirl has cultivated a wonderfully diverse body of work. Their films, predominantly made with the Super8 format, have positioned them as a celebrated pioneer in the realm of queer-feminist and transgender counterculture. Scheirl uses their artistic practice to provide a satirical lens on the increasingly surreal aspects of the neoliberal economic system, employing sharp humor to critique the societal constructs surrounding gender, sexuality, and power dynamics.

Cézanne, Monet, Renoir

French Impressionism from Museum Langmatt

The Belvedere is showcasing selected works from the Villa Langmatt collection, recognized as one of the earliest and most comprehensive private collections of French Impressionism in Switzerland. This Art Nouveau villa was not only the home of Jenny and Sidney Brown but also a space where their passion for art thrived. Starting around 1907, the Browns began to focus on French art, acquiring significant pieces including an oil painting by Paul Gauguin, works by Claude Monet, and several paintings by Paul Cézanne, which led to the aggregation of a larger collection of Cézanne’s works. They held a particular interest in Pierre-Auguste Renoir, gathering an impressive collection of his paintings. The excellence of their collection is further highlighted by several notable works by Camille Corot. Over the years, the Browns assembled a collection of French Impressionism and its precursors, which is not only representative of the broader movements but also reflective of their personal tastes. Their collecting activities illustrate not just a private enthusiasm but also resonate with the changing and modernized self-image of the Swiss industrial bourgeoisie. Curated by Alexander Klee.

Civa – Contemporary Immersive Virtual Art

The media art festival Civa explores the interplay of current technologies, realities, and experiences in digital, physical, and hybrid spaces. In its fifth edition, Civa offers not only an exhibition at Belvedere 21 but also a variety of discursive formats, film screenings, and live performances. Since 2024, the media art festival Civa has been organized and developed jointly by Belvedere 21 and sound:frame.

Civa – Contemporary Immersive Virtual Art

The Civa media art festival showcases the interaction between modern technologies, realities, and experiences across digital, physical, and hybrid environments. Celebrating its fifth year, Civa returns with an exhibition held at Belvedere 21, complemented by various discursive formats, film showings, and live performances. This event is a joint effort by Belvedere 21 and sound:frame, initiated in 2024, and is curated by Eva Fischer along with the Civa Team.

Franz Xaver Messerschmidt

More than Character Heads

The central focus of Franz Xaver Messerschmidt's work (1736–1783) is on the enigmatic "Character Heads," which have remained intriguing despite their popularity. Since the 20th century, interpreting Messerschmidt's work through a psychopathological lens has become commonplace, but this viewpoint is limited and overlooks how the sculptor engaged with the significant social and scientific transformations of the 18th century. The Belvedere is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Messerschmidt, presenting him not only as an artist at a critical cultural and political juncture but also as a pioneer of what is referred to as the long 19th century. From around 1769, Messerschmidt's portraits conveyed a new understanding of humanity, influenced by Enlightenment ideals, prioritizing a simplified and accurate portrayal of the subject over ostentation. Additionally, the personalities depicted—such as doctors Gerard van Swieten and Franz Anton Mesmer, along with art theorist Franz von Scheyb—provide insights into the cultural, political, and scientific landscapes of the 18th century. The exhibition aims to contextualize Messerschmidt's "Character Heads," which he began around 1770, within the frameworks of facial expression and physiognomy, interpreting them as phenomena of their era. Comparisons with works by artists like Joseph Ducreux illustrate that the fascination with human faces (and their peculiarities) was prevalent during this period. Curated by Katharina Lovecky, Georg Lechner, and Axel Köhne.