1 August 2025  Between Everyday Utility and Urban ArtA familiar staple of Austrian streets—the yellow post box—has taken on new life as a canvas for creativity. With the initiative "Reif für die Gallery", the Österreichische Post AG (Austrian Postal Service) transforms nine traditional Briefkästen (mailboxes) into unique art pieces, each designed by an artist representing one of Austria's nine federal states. The title of the project, which loosely translates to "Ready for the Gallery", plays on the idea of elevating everyday objects—in this case, post boxes—to the status of gallery-worthy artworks. The project launched on July 30, 2025, with an unveiling event on the rooftop of the Post's headquarters in Vienna, including a live performance by Martin Tardy, known for his two-handed line drawings that explore themes of connection and communication.Each artist brought their own perspective to the object, interpreting the post box as a messenger not only of letters but of stories, relationships, and cultural value. From illustration to conceptual art and street styles, the collection reveals a curated spectrum of Austria's contemporary visual voices. Artists Across Borders: A Closer LookAmong the nine featured creatives is Ben Reyer, who represented Lower Austria. Known for his conceptual collages and bold typographic messages, Reyer has exhibited at Parallel Vienna, an art fair that merges curated exhibitions with off-spaces, and participated in fashion-adjacent events including Vienna Fashion Week. His work often critiques consumer culture through slogans and pop-cultural iconography. More about his practice is available at benreyer.com.Vienna's contribution comes from Boicut, a street artist and illustrator whose energetic compositions combine hand-drawn characters with pop culture and urban elements. Boicut's signature style has led to collaborations with fashion and lifestyle labels like Converse, Levi's, and Remington. With a color-driven, layered aesthetic, his work invites viewers to explore spontaneity and detail. More on his work at boicut.com. Frau Isa, the artist behind the Carinthian mailbox, is known for a distinctive retro-modern style characterized by soft lines, friendly characters, and optimistic storytelling. Based in Vienna, she has worked for clients like IKEA, Tommy Hilfiger, and Carpe Diem. Her work brings an uplifting tone to the visual language of public space, blending nostalgia with contemporary optimism. More about the artist at frau-isa.com. Another standout is Ju Schnee, representing Styria, who brings her biomorphic 3D sculptural forms into the realm of painted surface. Known for international exhibitions and for pushing the boundaries between digital and physical forms, Schnee's abstract shapes transform the mailbox into a tactile visual landscape. Her work engages with the intersection of sculpture, painting, and movement. She has collaborated with global brands such as Tiffany & Co., Vogue, Porsche, and the boutique hotel The Hoxton as showcased on her website ju-schnee.com. From Gallery to SidewalkThe artistically transformed mailboxes are on public display at the headquarters of the Austrian Post at Rochusmarkt in Vienna from August 4 to 31, 2025. Following the exhibition, each piece will travel to its designated federal capital—bringing the fusion of communication and contemporary art into everyday life. From Vienna's bustling Mariahilferstraße to Graz's Hauptplatz and beyond, these objects aim to reframe public space through artistic expression.A video documenting the creative process and artist statements is available at: 👉 post.at/p/c/briefkastenkunst This gives a first glimpse into how the project bridges the routine and the imaginative—one letterbox at a time. Image: The photo captures the official launch event of the Austrian Post’s public art initiative 'Reif für die Gallery' on July 30 on the rooftop terrace of the Österreichische Post headquarters in Vienna. In the center stands Walter Oblin, CEO of the Österreichische Post AG, flanked by Josef Zeisel, district councilor of Vienna’s 6th district (second from left), and Chiara Halle, project manager (seventh from left). Posing alongside them are the participating artists—Fritz Anton, Elizaveta Kruchinina, Frau Isa, Madita Kloss, Sebastian Schager, Silvano Derungs, and Boicut—as well as Martin Tardy, who performed a live art piece during the event. The group stands in front of the mailbox creatively redesigned by Martin Tardy, now transformed into a unique work of art. Photographer: Sebastian Somloi. Photo: © Österreichische Post AG |