The exhibition presents and contrasts the archives of Kurt Kren (1929–1998) und Ernst Schmidt jr. (1938–1988), which are held in mumok and are now generally accessible.
The presentation of these two key filmmakers of the Austrian postwar avant-garde will include notes, sketches, correspondence, and materials related to their work as well as a selection of their films. Kren’s notations are a major body of work that illustrates his structural approach and his visual mind. Conceptual analysis of language is important in the work of Schmidt jr., whether he was working as author, critic, editor, or artist.
Through comparison of the two men’s work, this exhibition is able to consider them in context, addressing their similar interests in matters material and physical, and also their often very individual and also highly diverse practical work as artists. The exhibition display was conceived by Josef Dabernig.