Abfallwert steigend

The exhibition Abfallwert steigend (Waste value rising) turns the Garage at KUNST HAUS WIEN into a “space for discussion” on art objects and their value or non-value. Four international artistic positions thematise the thin line between “value” and “non-value” and thus the contexts and mechanisms that determine or modify this line.

Garages often serve as interim storages for things and passions whose future and use are uncertain; things one cannot (yet) do without or doesn’t want to get rid of. In this sense a garage is a place where the line between current and potential value, between “art object” and “waste” is blurred. At the same time the value of artistic work is subject to dramatic fluctuation, it varies depending on the context. The loss of value and the categorisation as “waste” are thus permanent threats. The exhibition presents artistic positions at the interface of art, ecology and economy and points to the material effects of the cycle of consumption, waste, disposal, recycling on our social and natural environment.

With works by
Folke Köbberling/Martin Kaltwasser (D), Dan Peterman (USA),
RELAX (chiarenza & hauser & co, F/ CH), transparadiso (A)

Curated by Barbara Holub