Die Erde könnte wieder ein Paradies werden. Alles ist möglich.
Opening: June 11, 2026, 6–9 pm
Talk & Screening: June 12, 2026, 7 pm
Lawrence Weiner (1942–2021) occupies a unique position within 20th-century art through his approach to using language as material. His Declaration of Intent, formulated in 1968, is at the forefront of conceptual art:
1. THE ARTIST MAY CONSTRUCT THE WORK
2. THE WORK MAY BE FABRICATED
3. THE WORK NEED NOT BE BUILT
EACH BEING EQUAL AND CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT OF THE ARTIST THE
DECISION AS TO CONDITION RESTS WITH THE RECEIVER UPON THE OCCASION
OF RECEIVERSHIP
The material specified by Weiner for his sculpture is Language + The Materials Referred To. In numerous interviews, he describes himself as a materialist, revealing his intent to use language itself as his material. The viewer manifests its meaning. The locus of his art is the layer beyond the object inferred.
This exhibition presents SKEWERED WITH A SLIVER OF GOLD in eight of the common tongues of Austria. Through translation, what has just been read gains the freedom of fiction. Everything is false and untrue, yet is correct according to its own law (very loosely after Wittgenstein). Weiner’s work does not get stuck in the impasse of a radical artistic gesture; it exists in a phlegmatic state of memory, a moment in which the past has ceased to speak – but has not yet ceased to have an impact.
Galerie Hubert Winter is pleased to present the 9th solo show of Lawrence Weiner at the gallery, organised in collaboration with the Lawrence Weiner Estate. Further we are proud to announce a second gallery location at Breite Gasse 19, 1070 Vienna, to coincide with the exhibition.
On 12 June at 7 pm, the gallery will host a conversation between Luisa Ziaja (chief curator Belvedere) and Alice Weiner (Lawrence Weiner Estate). This will be followed by a screening of Lawrence Weiner’s film PASSAGE TO THE NORTH.
Galerie Hubert Winter wishes to kindly thank the translators: Hochschüler*innenschaft Österreichischer Roma und Romnja, Petr Hruška, Damir Očko, Hanga Balla, Lojze Wieser, Martina Lukić.
