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Summer Retreat

By Lucas Cuturi

Ends in 12 days

Identity in the Tension between History, Fashion and Mythology

Jakob Lena Knebl explores identity in her work in relation to themes from the fields of history, art history, fashion, religion and mythology. As varied as her themes themselves are the means of expression the transmedial conceptual artist uses for her interpretations.

A Surrealistically Staged Parallel Universe in the Marmorschlössl

To this end, Knebl will transform the Marmorschlössl into a kind of stage on which various protagonists, whether figures or objects, are staged in such a way that visitors will feel as if they are moving through a parallel universe. That Knebl herself will be part of this is beyond question, since it is ultimately a projection of her constant engagement with her own multilayered personality. In the great salon of the former retreat of Empress Elisabeth she will realise a dreamlike, surreal installation, in which she references, among other things, works by the artist Ernst Heinrich Barlach. Visitors will also encounter a personal interpretation of the dancer by the Impressionist Edgar Degas, as well as a very special staging of a swan, since one once stood in “Sisi’s” bedchamber.

In the rooms of the upper floor, Knebl will present, alongside her own works, some of which are made of fabric, also works by students.

In the outdoor area, the artist will realise interpretations of the hut of the forest woman Baba Jaga (a mythological figure of Slavic folklore).

Curated by Lucas Cuturi

For school classes we offer an educational programme for this exhibition: Kulturvermittlung

  • Exhibition booklet DE
  • Exhibition booklet EN

Special Edition

A special edition has been created for the exhibition: Jakob Lena Knebl’s Big Little Dancer (2026) as a limited ceramic in an edition of 125 pieces. To the edition and ordering

Further Exhibition

Only a few steps away: in the Kaiserlichen Stallungen, the exhibition Konstruierte Natur, running until 31.10.26, shows animal depictions by three artists. Admission is free! To the exhibition

— Marmorschlössl Fotomuseum