TRANSFER Exhibition Explores Koralm Tunnel's Impact on Art and Perception
The exhibition titled TRANSFER >< Ein künstlerischer Austausch zur Mobilität, overseen by curators Anja Weisi Michelitsch and Roman Grabner, is hosted at Kulturforum Laßnitzhaus in Deutschlandsberg, Austria, from July 2 to August 30, 2026. This showcase includes six artists—Sonnhild Essl, Ernst Koslitsch, Marlene Mautner, Katrin Plavčak, Daniel Wetzelberger, and zweintopf—who creatively engage with the Koralmbahn rail line and the Koralm Tunnel, which commenced operations in December 2025. This tunnel shortens the journey between Styria and Carinthia, prompting artistic interpretations of mobility. Additionally, this exhibition is part of a dual-venue initiative, with a concurrent display at Schloss Wolfsberg featuring another six artists. The cultural space was transformed by architect Hans Hoffer in 1992, and a tunnel-boring machine's cutting head is exhibited at Bahnhof Weststeiermark.
Key facts
- TRANSFER exhibition runs July 2–August 30, 2026 at Kulturforum Laßnitzhaus, Deutschlandsberg, Austria.
- Curated by Anja Weisi Michelitsch and Roman Grabner.
- Features artists Sonnhild Essl, Ernst Koslitsch, Marlene Mautner, Katrin Plavčak, Daniel Wetzelberger, and zweintopf.
- Parallel exhibition at Schloss Wolfsberg, Carinthia, with Simon Goritschnig, Katharina Gruzei, Gašper Kunšič, Maria Legat, Payer Gabriel, and Hubert Sauper.
- Inspired by the Koralmbahn rail line and Koralm Tunnel, which entered regular service in December 2025.
- Daniel Wetzelberger's Stratum includes ceramic shards and bone fragments from an archaeological dig along the rail line.
- Sonnhild Essl's paper mâché castings replicate gutters and pipes from the construction site.
- zweintopf's inflatable Goddess of Democracy requires a pump to stay upright, symbolizing maintenance and fragility.
Entities
Artists
- Anja Weisi Michelitsch
- Roman Grabner
- Sonnhild Essl
- Ernst Koslitsch
- Marlene Mautner
- Katrin Plavčak
- Daniel Wetzelberger
- zweintopf
- Eva Pichler
- Gerhard Pichler
- Simon Goritschnig
- Katharina Gruzei
- Gašper Kunšič
- Maria Legat
- Payer Gabriel
- Hubert Sauper
- Hans Hoffer
- Christian Freydl
Institutions
- Kulturforum Laßnitzhaus
- Schloss Wolfsberg
- Neue Galerie Graz
- mumok Vienna
- Stuttgart State Academy of Fine Arts
- Linz Art University
- University of Applied Arts Vienna
- Bahnhof Weststeiermark
- TRANSFER, Verein für Kunst und Kultur
- Catapult Contemporary
Locations
- Deutschlandsberg
- Austria
- Carinthia
- Styria
- Wolfsberg
- Graz
- Vienna
- Gütersloh
- Zeltweg
- Wagna
- Bad Radkersburg
- Deutsch Goritz
- Faenza
- Baiersbronn
- Neuberg an der Mürz
- Bruck an der Mur
- Koralm massif
- Koralm Tunnel
- Koralmbahn
- Laßnitz
- Hollenegger Straße 8, 8530 Deutschlandsberg