Dom Museum Wien: In the Spirit of Friendship
The subject of friendship is thoroughly existential and
timeless, cutting to the bone of human existence. A theme that spans all historical periods and across all regions of the
world. At the same time, the subject seems particularly relevant right now: In light of the threatening state of the world,
the countless crises, conflicts, and increasing social divisions, Dom Museum Wien’s decision to dedicate this exhibition to
a conciliatory interpersonal subject is all the more important.
“In times when polarization
in politics, society, and social media as well as rampant egotism on Instagram and its ilk are more and more palpable, we
felt it important to conceive an exhibition at Dom Museum Wien that placed connective elements, the give-and-take of me-and-you,
and the dialogical principle front and center,” says museum director Johanna Schwanberg, who curated the exhibition together
with co-curator Klaus Speidel. The exhibition title deliberately shies away from purely positive, often idealized connotations
of the word “friendship” as the harmony of two souls, to signalize that this is no romanticized “sunshine-and-rainbows” presentation.
“In the Spirit of Friendship” also addresses problematic aspects related to this type of relationship.
Friendship
is a basic human need: relationships with others, spiritual closeness, and chosen family shape our lives. The exhibition deals
with the universal meaning of friendship as part of human social interaction - on a personal or political level. Facets of
friendship are explored via graphics, painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation art. In addition to national
and international loans and new commissioned works, the exhibition also offers insights into the collections of Dom Museum
Wien.
