FRANZ WEST

ALBERTINA MODERN, VIENNA

The ALBERTINA Museum is devoting a retrospective to Franz West (1947–2012) in honor of what would have been his 80th birthday. This nonconformist artist, known for an unruly personality characterized by willfulness and humor, participated in multiple editions of documenta and the Venice Biennale, whose Golden Lion he received in 2011.

It was under the influence of Viennese Actionism that West originated his legendary Adaptives in the 1970s: by being worn, held, and applied, these prothesis-like objects adapt to the human body’s shapes and give the audience the opportunity to interact. Objects thus become opportunities, with art becoming a situation. West’s oeuvre breaks boundaries, connects art with life, and has inspired multiple generations of artists. This presentation pays homage to one who removed art from its pedestal to place it in the thick of life.

In cooperation with the ALBERTINA, the Wien Museum is also presenting an exhibition dedicated on Franz West. Both exhibitions will open in parallel on 6 November 2026 and celebrate the artist’s extensive body of work.

On view from 6 November 2026 to 29 March 2027 at the ALBERTINA MODERN.