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.
