(Vienna, 18/04/2023) For the first time, contemporary art will be presented in the premises of the historical wax models at the Josephinum. Together with the Shariat Collections, the Josephinum is showing a selection of works by the French-Senegalese artist Alexandre Diop. Art-historical references, human anatomy and an independent artistic strategy enter into a dialogue with the 18th-century objects in the Josephinum. There will be a press tour on 25 April 2023.
Since its foundation in 1785, the Josephinum has housed the collection of anatomical wax models created by Joseph II for the foundation of the Military Surgical Academy in Florence. On one hand, the collection served as illustrative material for teaching, on the other, it was already accessible to the public at that time. As didactically valuable teaching aids, the wax preparations are supplemented with coloured drawings and descriptions in Italian and German. Today, most of the wax models have been preserved and are presented in seven rooms in the original display cases in their historical setting. "The Josephinum has been a house of art from the very beginning, as the wonderful wax models still testify today," says director Christiane Druml, "the large-format works by the artist on display evoke unexpected emotions in this historical setting." The exhibition runs from 26 April to 7 October 2023.
The emerging contemporary artist Alexandre Diop lives in Vienna and studies painting at the Academy of Fine Arts with Daniel Richter. Diop's works move between painting, sculpture and relief. He combines a wide variety of materials in his works. Latex, textiles, wood, books, papers, photos, strings, nails and animal fibres combine to form "object pictures". Most recently, his works have been exhibited in collaboration with the best-known African artist Kehinde Wiley in Paris, as well as at the Rubell Museum in Miami. "Occasionally our feelings hide inside our bodies," the artist says of the objects in the exhibition at the Josephinum.
The Shariat Collections, founded by art collector Amir Shariat, focus on contemporary African art. The focus is on lesser-known artists in order to support their talent and make it visible. This also includes young artist Alexandre Diop, who occupies a central position in the Shariat Collection.
Anatomy - Alexandre Diop at the Josephinum
Duration of the exhibition: 26 April – 7 October 2023
Josephinum – Medizinhistorisches Museum Wien
Währinger Straße 25, 1090 Vienna
www.josephinum.ac.at
Opening times
Wed-Sat, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thu, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm