3 April 2024

Gravity-defying sculptures in the garden of the Heidi Horten Collection Vienna invite visitors to change their perspective on nature, physics, and art

Upon entering the garden of the Heidi Horten Collection in Vienna, some may be reminded of Spiderman and the fantastic character of Dumbo. As of today, the two new sculptures - the Spiderman-like figure crouching above the entrance on the wall of the museum, and the elephant sculpture called 'Elefandret', which means 'little elephant' in Catalan - transform the garden into a space where art playfully challenges physical forces, the rules of nature. The Elefandret is a signature sculpture by Mallorca-born Miquel Barceló. It appeared in a different size in New York in 2011, and later in other cities around the world. Standing on its trunk, the elephant's form resembles a tree and is a charming tribute to the vitality and cleverness of animals.

Antony Gormley's sculpture 'Pore', on the other hand, depicts a human body whose feet and hands appear to be glued to the vertical surface. The British artist is known for his series of sculptures that explore the relationship between the body and its environment. In the case of Pore, the suspended and gravity-defying composition invites contemplation of our own physicality and the forces that shape us. 'Pore' has an immanent tension, the way it is installed on the wall above the entrance to the museum - as if to hint that something exciting awaits the visitor inside the museum, where the exhibition 'We Love' is currently presenting works with reference to the 'WOW' show in 2018 at the Leopold Museum in Vienna. The legendary WOW exhibition of the private collection was the starting point for the decision to build a museum dedicated to the Heidi Horten Collection. In the press release, director Agnes Husslein-Arco states that the sculptures, through their posture alone, open up new perspectives on art and invite visitors to engage with the collection in a low-threshold way.

But back to the garden, which in the coming months will once again play a role in the after-work calendar of the Viennese. On selected Thursdays from May 23 through August, the museum will host the afterwork series 'WE LOVE YOU!' with free admission, drinks, snacks, and music in the sculpture garden.

Images, from right: The picture shows Dr. Agnes Husslein-Arco, Director of the Heidi Horten Collection, during the installation of the 'Elefandret' (2007) by Miquel Barceló in the sculpture garden of the museum. Photo: © Heidi Horten Collection. Left: View at the entrance of the Heidi Horten Collection with the sculpture 'Pore' (2008) by Antony Gormley. Photo: Ouriel Morgensztern; © Heidi Horten Collection.