Many young artists study in painting classes, learning this „traditional” medium, often combining it with other techniques such as photography or video, or developing their work into three-dimensionality.
The themes range from a study of art history (Velasquez, in Fritzenwallner‘s pictorial object, a 1930s sculpture in Proschek‘s work, and perhaps also Lanner‘s drawn brush-strokes) to recent portraits (Rohrmoser, Schmirl, Resch). The objects by Guttmann and Mühlfellner – both of whom started from jewellery design – are made of dress fabrics, and present an ironic view of the classic idea of jewellery. The photo and video works (Gruber, Wirnsperger) deal with space, the immediate environment.

As in previous years, since Austria‘s participation, works by ten artists will be presented, selected as outstanding and innovative statements. The individual works will be placed (differently in each exhibition) in a dialogue with 80 other selected works from participating European countries (happily, more numerous every year). Our contribution is not intended as a specifically Austrian presentation, nor did we expect any thematic connection. The special function of the JCE is to enable each country to present ten of its best young artists, each with his or her individual reputation, with no artificial superstructure or national character.

English translation: Gail Schamberger