Steirischer Herbst 2021 Returns to Graz with Public Art and Performances After Digital Hiatus

The 54th Steirischer Herbst, recognized as Europe’s oldest contemporary art festival, was held in Graz, Austria from September 9 to October 10, 2021, marking a return to in-person events following a digital format in 2020. Under the theme THE WAY OUT, the festival showcased various site-specific installations and performances. It commenced with Uriel Barthélémi's Navigating the Ruins of the Old World (2021) and included Marinella Senatore's Assembly (2021) at Europlatz. Thomas Hirschhorn's Simone Weil Memorial (2021) reimagined Jesper Neergaard's Espero, while Flo Kasearu's Disorder Patrol (2021) introduced tension in public parks. Engaging experiences were also provided by Tino Sehgal in Augarten and Stadtpark, and Dejan Kaludjerović’s opera Conversations: I don't know that word... yet (2021) featured interviews with children. Noteworthy exhibitions included Kevin Jerome Everson's Recover and Doreen Garner's Steal, Kill and Destroy, coinciding with a mayoral election to enhance public involvement amid pandemic difficulties.