‘Rock the Void’ Josef Dabernig Retrospective Exhibition at MUMOK

Preeti Kathuria

[Vienna]
“If simplicity were the one overriding goal of art, evenly stained canvases or perfect cubes would be the most desirable art objects” (Arnheim, 1974, p. 410). The work of Josef Dabernig echoes with such simplicity and order. The linear narrative that runs calculatedly through the body of works showcased in this exhibition created a heightened sense of physical awareness. The exhibition looked bare and uncluttered without losing its practical modalities and structural essence showcased through film, photos, text, objects and architecture. The show definitely stood apart from the numerous other exhibitions one saw in the vicinity.

Curated by Matthias Michalka and Susanne Neuburger, this was the first comprehensive retrospective exhibition of the works of Austrian artist and filmmaker Josef Dabernig (born 1956 in Kotschach-Mauthen) at Wisla, 1996 16 mm on HD video, b/w, 8 min. Directed, written and produced by: Josef Dabernig, D.O.P: Thomas Baumann, Courtesy of the artist and MUMOK, Photograph: Preeti Kathuria River Plate, 2013 35 mm on HD video, b/w, 16 min. Directed, written, edited and produced by: Josef Dabernig, D.O.P: Christian Giesser, Sound design: Michael Palm, Courtesy of the artist and MUMOK, Photograph: Preeti Kathuriathe MUMOK. Titled ‘Rock the Void’ it showcased Dabernig’s conceptual text works, aluminum grids, and panoramas of football stadiums along with his iconic film works. “The ‘void’ might be meant spatially, and it could also be a gesture of refusal. It is an artistic manifestation and a constant element in Dabernig’s work.