Steinbrener / Dempf
Volksbad Waagner-Biro-Straße

Social events obey certain rituals, procedures, conventions – and the opening of steirischer herbst is without doubt a social event. But instead of making the usual clear distinction between artistic work and opening festivities, the “Waagner-Biro-Straße public baths” are both in one.

As in the past two years, the Helmut-List-Halle is at the centre of attention: as a large, walk-in sculpture in which individual initiative and co-operation are required, or at least helpful, and that is appropriated by the audience and adapted to its needs. Subversive strategies spotlight predetermined breaking points in the system, which everyone can easily use for him or herself. No-one is forced to act – but everyone is an actor, observer and part of the installation; an installation which is equally a celebration. For several years now, sculptor Christoph Steinbrener and typographer and photographer Rainer Dempf have been focusing on structures and social interactions in the public space with their artistic interventions. Above all the “Delete!” project, during which all logos and advertisements in Vienna’s Neubaugasse were covered up for a fortnight, gave rise to much discussion and attention.

The “Waagner-Biro-Straße public baths” invite you to a herbst opening that, together with all the guests, focuses on itself as the main subject – a game of conventions, procedures and behaviours.

Konzept / Idee: Christoph Steinbrener
Konzept / Idee: Rainer Dempf
Künstlerin / Künstler / Gruppe: Steinbrener / Dempf