Decay and Revolution: Art in Vienna, 1890-1910 arrives at Museo de Arte de Ponce

PONCE, PR.- Around 40 pieces from the Belvedere Gallery in Vienna, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, are being featured in an exhibition that brings to Puerto Rico for the first time the work of internationally renowned Austrian artists, including Gustav Klimt. The exhibition opened in Ponce on March 20, 2014, and will last only four months, closing on July 28th.

Decay and Revolution: Art in Vienna, 1890-1910 (Decadencia y revolución: Arte en Viena, 1890-1910) is an overview of a very diverse period that transformed Vienna into one of the most important artistic centers of Europe at the turn of the 20th century. The art from this period stands out for its modernity, and is characterized by the claim for creative freedom. This generation of artists effected the transition from the late 19th century aesthetics into Expressionism and other 20th-century avant-garde movements. These works are being displayed together with pieces from the permanent collection of the Museo de Arte de Ponce with which they are stylistically and thematically related.

Rudolf Jettmar, The Four Seasons Fall, 1928© Belvedere, Vienna

The pieces present a fascinating picture of the moment in which they were created, reflecting their makers’ obsession with themes such as the femme fatale, the working of the human mind, sexual attraction, and the powers of the unconscious. The works are representative of a very diverse international movement, which resulted in an explosion of creativity that took over the Austrian capital for two decades. It will doubtlessly appeal to those interested in 20th-century Modernism as well as to lovers of 19th-century art.

The Museo de Arte de Ponce is committed to making art accessible to everyone. Decay and Revolution: Art in Vienna, 1890-1910 is accompanied by an educational program that includes guided tours, lectures, and workshops for children as well as adults.