KULTUM. Zentrum für Gegenwart, Kunst und Religion in Graz

What does “BREATHING” mean after over a year of the coronavirus pandemic? Breathing—really the first and the last sign of life—is dangerous in the presence of others: this was and still is the most frightful experience of the past year. It can unleash a threatening illness that has kept the whole world holding its breath for over a year. Most insidiously, the virus penetrates the center of our existence through our breath. 

With more than a dozen artistic contributions, the exhibition EINATMEN – AUSATMEN / breathing in – breathing outreflects on this time that is hopefully behind us. It also incorporates the historic space of the Minorite Monastery in Graz, whose Minorite Hall and cloister were renovated during the “corona period.”

Where curtains wave in the breeze, it lets the building sigh, reveals emergency exits, creates spaces for relaxation. It points out ways to escape the pressure of control and free oneself from an inner shortness of breath. It frees us from the states of breathlessness to which we have resigned ourselves during this time.

Curated by Katrin Bucher Trantow (Kunsthaus Graz) and Johannes Rauchenberger (KULTUM)

Artists: Marina Abramović/Ulay, Michael Endlicher, VALIE EXPORT, Heribert Friedl, Anita Fuchs, Julie Hayward, Anna Jermolaewa, Agnieszka Kalinowska, Isabella Kohlhuber, Ferdinand Penker, Christiane Peschek, Werner Reiterer, Michael Triegel, Liesl Raff, Nina Schuiki, Markus Wilfling, and Daniel Amin Zaman