VCT STATEMENT 2024: ENERGY
This was the Special Exhibition "The Color of Energy" and Talks Series "Nexus Thinking" at viennacontemporary 2024
In 2024, VCT STATEMENT focused on one of the most pressing issues of our time: Energy.
The special program of viennacontemporary fostered a meaningful dialogue on sustainability through the lens of art through two high-end international panel discussions titled Nexus Thinking, organized in cooperation with the ERSTE Foundation, and the special exhibition The Color of Energy, curated by Mariela Baciak and co-produced by Salzburger Kunstverein.
VCT STATEMENT: The Color of Energy
The Color of Energy, curated by Mirela Baciak, unfolded across two venues—viennacontemporary at Messe Wien and Salzburger Kunstverein—exploring energy’s impact on geopolitics, technology, and human life. The exhibition transformed colors into narratives: black evoked fossil fuels, red highlighted climate urgency, and yellow reflected the paradox of solar power.
The artists Sara Bezovšek, Liv Bugge, Judith Fegerl, Veronika Hapchenko, Katrin Hornek, Sophie Jung, Linda Lach, Ursula Mayer, Shubigi Rao, and Guan Xiao investigated themes of environmental exploitation, climate anxiety, and colonial histories, offering a multi-sensory reflection on how energy shaped our world.
A week after viennacontemporary, the second Chapter premiered at Salzburger Kunstverein, presenting works of Bertille Bak, Sophie Jung, Edson Luli, Ursula Mayer, Oleksiy Radynski, Shubigi Rao, Emilija Škarnulytė, Guan Xiao.
Photos: kunst-documentation.com
VCT STATEMENT: NEXUS THINKING
During viennacontemporary 2024, two panel discussions, titled Nexus Thinking—Energy, Future, Sustainability, organized by viennacontemporary with the kind support of ERSTE Foundation, addressed the urgent challenges facing Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the energy transition and sustainable development.
The first panel, moderated by Yana Barinova of ERSTE Foundation, focused on enhancing energy resilience in the CEE and DACH regions in the wake of war and the pandemic. Speakers, including Alisa Schubert (Green Deal Ukraine), Monika Figaj (Energy Community Secretariat), and Stefan Sattler (City of Vienna), emphasized the importance of regional solutions to secure energy independence and sustainability.
The second panel explored the role of art in addressing environmental crises and advancing sustainability. Moderated by Markus Huber of viennacontemporary, the discussion featured Sithara Pathirana (Klima Biennale Wien), Mirela Baciak (Salzburger Kunstverein), and artist Linda Lach. The speakers highlighted how cross-generational and interdisciplinary art practices can challenge societal norms and offer new perspectives on the energy crisis and environmental issues.
Photos: Valerie Maltseva
About VCT: STATEMENT:
Since its launch in 2022 with VCT STATEMENT UKRAINE, VCT STATEMENT has evolved into a vital platform connecting art with socio-political discourse, amplifying voices advocating for a more sustainable and just future. The special program connects sociopolitical phenomena with the art world, promotes conversation, and highlights artistic awareness through collaborations with external curators and thinkers.