ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Hermann Nitsch retrospective at ABC Arte in Genoa spans 1962-2020

exhibition · 2026-04-27

In Genoa, ABC Arte is hosting an extensive exhibition dedicated to Hermann Nitsch (1938-2022), the Austrian actionist renowned for his use of blood, animal remains, and ceremonial performances. Curated by Flaminio Gualdoni, the showcase spans works created from 1962 to 2020, highlighting significant pieces such as large canvases from the 18. Malaktion Napoli Studio Morra (1986), pastel studies (2008), and a sketch of Oedipus Rex (1971/2017). The focal point is the 158. Aktion (2020), represented through photographs and installations across three rooms, featuring props like bloody gowns and scalpels. Additionally, the exhibition includes the 85. Malaktion (2020) and two canvases from the 77. Malaktion (2017). This event is made possible through collaboration with the Museo Hermann Nitsch in Naples, led by Peppe Morra, who has partnered with Nitsch since 1974. Morra highlights Nitsch's ongoing significance in providing profound experiences of timelessness. The exhibition also frames Nitsch's Das Orgien Mysterien Theater, created in 1957 and brought to life at Prinzendorf Castle, which includes performances like the 6-Tage-Spiel (August 3-9, 1998) and 2-Tage-Spiel (July 31-August 1, 2004). The exhibition will continue until a date yet to be announced.

Key facts

  • Hermann Nitsch (1938-2022) was a key figure of Viennese Actionism alongside Günter Brus, Otto Mühl, and Rudolf Schwarzkogler.
  • The exhibition at ABC Arte in Genoa is curated by Flaminio Gualdoni.
  • The show includes works from 1962 to 2020, featuring the 158. Aktion from 2020.
  • The Museo Hermann Nitsch / Archivio Laboratorio per le Arti Contemporanee in Naples collaborated on the exhibition.
  • Peppe Morra founded and directs the Naples museum and has worked with Nitsch since 1974.
  • Nitsch's Das Orgien Mysterien Theater was conceived in 1957 and realized at Prinzendorf Castle.
  • The 6-Tage-Spiel took place August 3-9, 1998, and the 2-Tage-Spiel on July 31-August 1, 2004.
  • The 158. Aktion was performed at the Museo Hermann Nitsch in Naples in 2020.

Entities

Artists

  • Hermann Nitsch
  • Günter Brus
  • Otto Mühl
  • Rudolf Schwarzkogler
  • Giuseppe Zevola
  • Peppe Morra
  • Flaminio Gualdoni
  • Linda Kaiser

Institutions

  • ABC Arte
  • Museo Hermann Nitsch / Archivio Laboratorio per le Arti Contemporanee
  • Studio Morra
  • Artribune
  • Documenta 5

Locations

  • Genoa
  • Italy
  • Vienna
  • Austria
  • Mistelbach
  • Naples
  • Prinzendorf
  • Kassel

Sources