June 24–27, 2021
One theme, one artistic position: The first SPARK Art Fair Vienna focuses on individual artists, their work, and their understanding of their work. This concept instils complete concentration in the viewer. Through solo presentations and visionary architecture, it provides visitors the opportunity for intense engagement with art. Identically designed booths and an open interior invite the visitor to explore the presented works.
“We’re thrilled to see the tremendous amount of interest in our concept. The concentrated format, which places the focus on one single artistic position in each area, allows us to create a maximum amount of mindful attention in this time of crisis. This format invites visitors to engage in in-depth dialogue, and enables a direct connection between artist and audience—both personally and institutionally,” explains SPARK Managing Director Renger van den Heuvel.
The Fair is primarily geared towards art lovers, collectors, and experts from Austria and neighbouring European countries. At the fair, Austria’s leading galleries and a first-class selection of international galleries will present around 85 solo presentations. 40 of these presentations will be in the three sections curated by Sabine Breitwieser, Marlies Wirth and Tevž Logar. The SPARK Studio digital platform and online VIP Events offer international guests the opportunity for insight and exchange with galleries and artists.
Three curated sections
“Interface – Contemporary New Media and Digital Art,” a section curated by Marlies Wirth, focuses on digital and new media art. It explores the new and exciting possibilities that digital media holds in store. Confronted with a world of technological advances, scientific discourses and social developments, this new media art is engaged in exploring the radical changes taking place in modern communication.
The “Utopia: Post-War“ section curated by Sabine Breitwieser, is comprised of 16 solo presentations from local and international galleries closely related to the selected artists. Special features on experimental film and post-war dance round off the exhibition and examine other forms of displacement.
The “Perspectives” section, curated by Tevž Logar, serves as the narrative link between galleries and individual artistic practices, defining the social and political frameworks which first enable us to consider processes of change.
More information on the sections: spark-artfair.com
Artists
Every day, the SPARK Art Fair Vienna will announce a new artist whose works will be presented at the fair. Including Lawrence Weiner (Galerie Hubert Winter), Nancy Spero (Christine König Galerie), Nadira Husain (PSM), Ingrid Wiener (Charim Galerie), Stano Filko (LAYR) and many more.
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The Spark Art Fair in 2021 and beyond
The art fair will be held in the historic Wiener Marx Halle. The organisation of the fair is contingent on the COVID-19 situation and the requirements set forth by the Austrian Federal Government. A comprehensive COVID-19 prevention plan is being developed in coordination with the responsible authorities. In the coming years, the SPARK Art Fair Vienna will take place at the end of March as a new spring art fair in Vienna.
VIP application
VIPs of the first SPARK Art Fair Vienna 2021 can apply here.
