Josef Dabernig (b. 1956, Kötschach-Mauthen) is an artist who started with researching the complex spatial model based on architectural landscapes which transform by mathematical principles. The motif of grids is one of the main ones in his works, from structured aluminium grids, early works in sculpture, conceptual lists and textual works, all the way to photo-panoramas of football stadiums and films. He has been active in film since 1994. His films border experimental, they talk on the human every day and the relationship of the natural and built environment. Dabernig is also researching certain phenomena of contemporary life such as healthy living, stereotypes on men and women.

For the project, Josef sends a film-still of Heavy Metal Detox, his new piece shot in spring 2019. With his partner and artist Isabella Hollauf, he sends greetings from Vienna: “Please stay healthy in the sense of Josef Dabernig and Isabella Hollauf, greetings from their squatted Corona studio”.

Vienna, 15/06/2020

Artists Respond project was started by the Institute for the Research of the Avant-Garde and the Marinko Sudac Collection. Addressing the current global pandemic, the project aims to virtually present the thoughts and attitudes of neo-avant-garde artists, their energy and the message they have for the present moment. This is the moment in which the world as we know it is on hold and the moment in which we need optimism and solidarity more than ever. We wish for the public to welcome the creative energy of these artists - artists who are ready to point out the state of things, to respond with art and creativity, as they have done in all difficult times in the past.

Josef Dabernig was a participant of our Artist on Vacation project in 2019, organised by the Institute for the Research of the Avant-Garde and the Marinko Sudac Collection, with Valamar Riviera d.d. in whose facilities they reside in Poreč.

See more: Artist on Vacation