23.10.2026 – 30.05.2027
‘Kokoschka’s Backgrounds’ offers insights into the compositions of the Austrian painter, graphic artist and writer. The focus is on the development of his pictorial backgrounds throughout his career. Curated by Barbara Herzog and Aglaja Kempf, the exhibition presents a selection of early paintings and juxtaposes these with works from the late 1930s to the 1970s. Supplemented by drawings and prints from the extensive collection, the exhibition paints a multifaceted picture of Kokoschka’s artistic development. In his early portraits, the focus was on capturing the inner state of his subjects. With his ‘X-ray vision’, the artist sought to look beyond the façade of outward appearance. The design of the picture backgrounds played a particular role in this. Areas of colour that flowed seamlessly into one another emphasised the subjects and surrounded them like a visible aura. As his artistic career progressed, the portraits became more realistic. The painter added various attributes and narrative elements, thereby transforming his picture backgrounds into important vehicles of meaning.
Kokoschka’s Background
23.10.2026 – 30.05.2027
Museum der Moderne, Rupertinum
Wiener-Philharmoniker-Gasse 9
5020 Salzburg
www.museumdermoderne.at
