Salonnière Novalis: Nicole Adler on the fascination of the unexpected and her art salon
The Viennese salon is a historical monument. How did your salon on Schwarzenbergplatz come about?
Nicole Adler: "Between the wars in Vienna, Berta Zuckerkandl or Eugenie Schwarzwald invited people to an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas. For salonnière Rahel Levin-Varnhagen, for example, it was the 'Republic of the Free Spirit'. When I took over my family's flat years ago, it was clear to me that it was suitable for a kind of open studio. An artist friend of mine gave me the impetus that art would have a platform here. Having flirted with the - female - art scene for some time, it was obvious."
"I want to juxtapose the established with the, not at all established and work with clichés that experience friction in a space like this one," says Nicole Adler in conversation.
What are the similarities to the Viennese salons?
Nicole Adler. "It is also interdisciplinary, the main focus is on exchange. A space of tolerance and cosmopolitanism, the networking of generations and milieus is important to me. And of course the multifaceted feminist aspect. With every exhibition, worlds collide. At the same time, the atmosphere in the salon is more intimate than in a gallery."
Where do you see your contribution to the Viennese art scene?
Nicole Adler. "Professionally as well as personally, my focus has been on women since the launch of my 'For Women Only' series. When I linked up with curator Ema Kaiser-Brandstätter, we wanted to formulate a counter-design to the 'boys club' of the art scene. We are neither a gallery nor an art space, but a female platform with different orientations."
Was there also a headwind against the salon format?
Nicole Adler. "If anything, it was skepticism. Dr. Ursula Krinzinger (Krinzinger Gallery, note) did not initially like the idea of a salon as a presentation space for Eva Schlegel. Afterward, however, she really liked the format. For us, it was great to work with her."
Your salon is also known as a discussion platform ...
Nicole Adler: "Exactly! Nicolaus Schafhausen did a talk here with Eva Schlegel and Marianne Stålhös at the end of his era at the Kunsthalle. A discussion round on female networking in the art world, organized together with the RRRRiot Festival, was met with great interest. Many women came - from students to museum directors. Fantastic!"
This article appeared in the Winter 2021 issue of L'Officiel Austria.
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