David Riff on Steirischer Herbst 2019: Hedonism in the Abyss
The steirischer herbst festival in Graz takes place from September 19 to October 13, 2019, co-curated by David Riff and Ekaterina Degot. This year's theme, 'hedonism in difficult times,' examines the marketed pleasures of Graz while confronting historical fascist connections and systemic inequalities. Approximately 40 new works are showcased, featuring Keti Chukhrov's studies on post-prostitution, Riccardo Giacconi's investigation into South Tyrol's fascist past, Artur Żmijewski's bunker installation, and Ariel Efraim Ashbel's eschatological piece. Palais Attems serves as the headquarters, highlighting works related to Counter-Reformation aesthetics. The festival opens with opera-themed music and includes a parallel program with Grazer Kunstverein and Literaturhaus Graz, reflecting on Lukács's life. Riff critiques the 'happiness industries' in light of looming catastrophe.
Key facts
- Steirischer Herbst 2019 runs from September 19 to October 13 in Graz.
- The festival is co-curated by Ekaterina Degot and David Riff.
- The theme is 'hedonism in difficult times,' using Lukács's 'Grand Hotel Abyss' metaphor.
- Graz is marketed as the capital of Styria's Genussregion (pleasure region).
- Around 40 artists have been commissioned to create new works.
- Key artists include Keti Chukhrov, Riccardo Giacconi, Artur Żmijewski, Ariel Efraim Ashbel, Oscar Murillo, and Giorgi Gago Gagoshidze.
- The festival headquarters is Palais Attems, a baroque palace with a history as a British Council office during Allied occupation.
- The opening Extravaganza features opera-themed music with works by Zorka Wollny and Jule Flierl.
- Parallel program collaborations include Grazer Kunstverein and Literaturhaus Graz.
- An installation at Literaturhaus Graz explores Lukács's life using models and objects.
Entities
Artists
- Ekaterina Degot
- David Riff
- Keti Chukhrov
- Guram Matskhonashvili
- Riccardo Giacconi
- Artur Żmijewski
- Ariel Efraim Ashbel
- Oscar Murillo
- Giorgi Gago Gagoshidze
- Zorka Wollny
- Jule Flierl
- Georg Lukács
- Thomas Mann
- Jeremy Deller
- Vladimir Putin
Institutions
- steirischer herbst
- Grazer Kunstverein
- Literaturhaus Graz
- Palais Attems
- British Council
- Artribune
- Isisuf – Istituto Internazionale di Studi sul Futurismo
Locations
- Graz
- Austria
- Styria
- Georgia
- South Tyrol
- Italy
- Alto Adige
- Third Reich
- Europe