FRANZ WEST

Franz West (1947–2012), one of Austria’s most unconventional artists, participated in several editions of documenta and the Venice Biennale, where he was awarded the Golden Lion in 2011. Known for his wilful, humorous, and unruly personality, his work consistently challenged established boundaries between art and everyday life.

Under the influence of Viennese Actionism, West developed his legendary Adaptives in the 1970s. These prosthesis-like objects were meant to be worn, held, or used, adapting to the human body and inviting direct interaction. Objects became occasions for action, and art turned into a situation. West’s work has inspired multiple generations of artists.

Marking what would have been his 80th birthday, the ALBERTINA Museum dedicates this retrospective to an artist who removed art from its pedestal and placed it in the midst of life.

In cooperation with the ALBERTINA, the Wien Museum is also presenting an exhibition dedicated on Franz West. Both exhibitions will open in parallel on 6 November 2026 and celebrate the artist’s extensive body of work.