Parliament: Agreement on Worm Sculptures

The two statues were acquired by Rosenkranz's predecessor, Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP), shortly before his departure for 240,000 euros.

Wurm Sculptures Ordered on Behalf of the Parliament

The two sculptures were placed in the Upper Vestibule at the entrance to the Columned Hall. Sobotka had ordered them on behalf of the Parliament, without consulting a curator and without involving the Presidium, which drew some criticism. The exhibits were delivered the day before the inaugural session of the National Council last October.

The costs for the return transport would be borne by the Parliamentary Directorate. "I thank the Parliamentary Directorate for the extremely factual and professionally conducted negotiations, as well as the artist for his consent to the reversal in view of the necessary budgetary savings measures," Rosenkranz explained to the "Krone".

Sobotka Criticizes Rosenkranz

His predecessor Sobotka is massively displeased with this approach. In a statement, he called it "shameful that Walter Rosenkranz follows the populism of Herbert Kickl and has sold the sculptures by Erwin Wurm - one of the most important artists of our country." With Wurm's art, the Parliament had offered the public a low-threshold access to significant contemporary art, which is a central component of Austrian identity. After this step, he can no longer accept that Rosenkranz or the Parliamentary Directorate speak of the "Cultural Nation Austria".

(APA/Red)

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