ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Parallel Vienna 2016: Non-Profit Spaces and Artist Projects in the Alte Post

festival-fair · 2026-05-05

The fourth edition of Parallel, a satellite fair to Vienna Contemporary, took place in the spectacular Alte Post building, a former Habsburg-era post office now disused. Directed by Stefan Bidner, the fair hosted 20 galleries, 40 non-profit spaces, 42 artist-run projects, and 15 independent curator projects, aiming to capture the complexity of the Austrian art scene. A highlight was a screening of Hermann Nitsch's Orgien Mysterien Theater actions, with the artist himself present. The fair featured over 400 artists, with a notable standout being Polish-born painter Justine Otto (b. 1974, based in Hamburg), whose figurative expressionist works impressed with their rapid, painterly touch. The fair ran from September 21 to 25, 2016.

Key facts

  • Parallel Vienna 2016 was the fourth edition of the fair.
  • The fair was held at the Alte Post, a former Habsburg-era post office.
  • Stefan Bidner was the artistic director.
  • The fair hosted 20 galleries, 40 non-profit spaces, 42 artist-run projects, and 15 independent curator projects.
  • A screening of Hermann Nitsch's Orgien Mysterien Theater actions was featured.
  • Hermann Nitsch attended the screening.
  • Justine Otto, a Polish-born artist living in Hamburg, was highlighted.
  • The fair ran from September 21 to 25, 2016.

Entities

Artists

  • Hermann Nitsch
  • Justine Otto

Institutions

  • Parallel
  • Vienna Contemporary
  • Alte Post
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Vienna
  • Austria
  • Dominikanerbastei 11
  • Amburgo
  • Polonia

Sources