"No Fake Amore": Billi Thanner's big Opening Night in Vienna
At the moment, the whole city is incessantly celebrating. At the latest when salonière and grande dame Nicole Adler invites to an opening, they all come: the young, the wise, the beautiful, the rich, the artists, the champagne ladies and even Brigitte Bierlein, former Austrian Chancellor.
Everyone came to marvel at Billi Thanner's exhibition "Future & Symbolism". Even Brigitte Bierlein, former Austrian Chancellor. Bierlein was already well acquainted with Thanner's works as she told us: "I had the pleasure of being in her studio, seeing her paintings and experiencing the ambience. I have always been very fond of art and especially appreciate the art of women. We have fantastic female artists here in Austria - we are really lucky."
Billi Thanner, who already caused quite a stir with her artwork "Himmelsleiter" on the facade of St. Stephens Cathedral, naturally invited the cathedral's priest Toni Faber along with many other prominent guests. Among them were art collector and entrepreneur Helmut Essl, now also known as Ivana Ho's new partner, artist Erwin Wurm, violinist Yury Revich, actor Julian Waldner and Lifeball-Founder Gery Keszler.
Star of the evening, Billi Thanner, was naturally delighted about so much recognition: "I've been working as a freelance artist for 22 years, but this is by far the most beautiful evening - without wanting to belittle the past."
Clear words as those on her artwork "NO FAKE AMORE", which adorns a Louis Vuitton logo canvas she made. Clearly, the artwork was a coveted backdrop for photos.m
Thanner, who uses symbolism in her work, extended the level of interpretation that evening by having actress Kristina Sprenger, as Madame Galaktika, read the cards in a performance to foresee the future for the guests.
Best dressed of the evening was Sophia Stolz, who entertains on Instagram with her artistic cake creations under the handle "Stolzes" and meanwhile embodies the zeitgeist as Creative Directress at the Viennese luxury event Planner Hirtzberger.
Need we add that she also models? Naturellement! Stolzes can confidently be called "the coolest kid in town" and must add "... everybody wants a bite of her. Not only of her cakes." In true Nicola Peltz-Beckham fashion, she came with dark hair and light-coloured eyebrows to make it clear: Blonde is passé. Namely for everyone.
There was discussion about art, blackouts, holiday plans and nuclear threats. Yes, in that order.
Most talked about topics at the event: Art, blackouts, holiday plans and nuclear threats. Yes, in that order. Matching the unspoken dress code du jour (aka "dress for the cold") there was no heating - as there is in many public spaces now.
A foretaste of fashion trends and focus on the 2022/23 autumn/winter season with - a drum roll: invest in chic, warm winter coats. This trend will probably carry us into spring, and hopefully not into our own living rooms - thanks to the energy crisis.
The exhibition "Symbolism & Future" can be seen at Palais Herberstein (Herrengasse 1-3) until 22nd December 2022.
Photos: Alexander Tuma
