Long before the term ‘contemporary art’ was considered to be a synonym for progressive, provocative, challenging or elitist, artists who took new paths were subject to intense criticism.
They triggered controversies that reflected various ideologies, were celebrated by one person, condemned by the next. Thus, the public and critics have always determined the success or failure of a given artist. With this exhibition, the Neue Galerie Graz shows the polarity in which ‘contemporary’ art has always moved, based on works from its collection ranging from the 19th century through to the present day. It prompts us to consider art ‘critically’, and its critics, too.
