Gülsen Bal Launches Open Space in Vienna with Exhibition on Social Transition and Religious Symbolism

In early 2008, Gülsen Bal launched Open Space at the Zentrum für Kunstprojekte in Vienna, a move prompted by the merger of Generali and Bawag Foundation, which concluded a decade of conceptual art initiatives. Situated at Lassingleithnerplatz 2, Bal's inaugural exhibition, titled "Temporary Zones," showcased artworks addressing spatial and social changes in a New Europe. Highlights included Nada Prlja's video featuring children reciting the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights, a photographic series by Peter Mörtenböck and Helge Mooshammer on Moscow's Cherkizovsky Market, and Ergin Çavuşoğlu's video "Empire (after Andy Warhol)." Juray Carný, the guest curator, presented "Interface," which delved into the intersection of religion and art, featuring works like Vladimir Nikolić's "Rhythm" and Arya Pandjalu and Sara Nuyteman's "Birdprayer." Open Space merges public engagement with underlying social dynamics.