VIENNA.- We are all different. Diversity has always existed, even in the 16th century. When humans increasingly took centre stage in the Renaissance, it was not just their ideal that was of interest, but also their inexhaustible diversity.

With its look back at history, this year’s special exhibition at Ambras Castle Innsbruck presents depictions of the most varied people. The point of reference are the Ambras collections of Archduke Ferdinand II. Here the whole world was illustrated, as was common in chambers of art and wonders. Many unusual paintings, fascina- ting descriptions and scientific objects have remained preserved to the present day.

But why did the Portrait of a Disabled Man find its way into the Ambras Chamber of Art and Wonders? Who is behind the ‘hair family’? And why do portraits of ‘court giants’ and ‘court dwarves’ move us? The paintings run the risk of being dismissed as mere curiosities. The special exhibition, in contrast, tells the stories of these people who do not fit the norm, taking as its theme the question of whether, and if so, how encounters with them took place.

"Today, we have to ask ourselves how we deal with these depictions and what view of the people depicted is appropriate today. It‘s about the path from object to subject, from curiosity to individual.“ --Veronika Sandbichler (Director Schloss Ambras Innsbruck)

From a modern-day perspective, putting people on display is seen as voyeurism. The special exhibition invites visitors to reflect on their own perception and confronts them with the question: ‘Is it allowed to look?’

Treasures of art- and cultural-historical value encounter current viewpoints by means of audio and video contributions. Adapted font sizes and exhibition objects placed on different levels are aimed at reducing barriers and making it possible for a variety of visitor to experience Looking Allowed?

Furthermore, the installation of a lift in the upper castle offers easy access for the first time to the special exhibition rooms located on the second floor.

FEAST FOR ALL
COOPERATION WITH ABSOLUT VODKA & ARTIVIVE

A work of art to break through prejudices

‘The Feast of the Bean King’, one of the most famous works in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, has been given a contemporary interpretation. The original (Jacob Jordaens, 1645) shows a group of people celebrating in high spirits. All in a good mood, all drinking - but above all: all white. The Viennese artist Tyrone Egbowon, with Croatian-Nigerian roots, changes the narrative with Absolut Vodka. In the reinterpretation ‘Feast for All’, the people depicted are swapped with ambassadors for diversity & inclusion from various backgrounds: Temiloluwa Obiyemi (Gold Caviar Crew), Leni Charles (Kids of the Diaspora), Elisabeth Mtasa, Bianca Rosemarie, DJ Mosaken, DaDa JV and Godwin Merano.

In Looking Allowed? visitors can view the original painting ‘Feast for All’ and experience the making-of via video. In addition, visitors can use a photo point to insert themselves into a digital version and thus become a part of the painting.

YEAR OF RENAISSANCE

Together with the Schallaburg and the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Ambras Castle Innsbruck is focussing on the Renaissance period in 2024. As part of the cooperation 2024 - Year of the Renaissance, an exhibition with a different focus and approach will be shown at each of the three locations.