Polly Apfelbaum

Polly Apfelbaum solo exhibition Happiness Runs curated by Stella Rollig at Belvedere 21, Vienna.

Press Release

At the Belvedere 21, the American artist Polly Apfelbaum reveals the relationship between six of her latest space-consuming installations for the first time. Her holistic composition comprising carpets handwoven in Mexico enters into a dialogue with the open, sunlit architecture of the building.

Polly Apfelbaum’s multifaceted oeuvre is characterized by the search for new artistic means of expression and the breaking down of barriers between sculpture, painting, and installation. The artist combines techniques and materials from both fine art and arts and crafts. She experiments with ceramic, textiles, paper and handwoven carpets. Stylistically, she is influenced by Bauhaus Modernism, Minimal Art, Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Since the 1990s, Apfelbaum has used the floor as a surface on which to present her Fallen Paintings. Her intent exploration of space, color, form, and materiality finds its logical progression in this show on the upper floor of the Belvedere 21. Themes such as feminism and spirituality, quotations from the history of art as well as references to popular prints and comics are intrinsic to Apfelbaum’s art. In the spirit of an open space for contemplation, the exhibition invites its visitors to participate.

Polly Apfelbaum was born in Abington, Pennsylvania (USA), in 1955. She studied painting at the Tyler School of Art, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, and at Purchase College, State University of New York. International exhibitions since the 1980s; works in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York, Whitney Museum, New York, Brooklyn Museum, New York, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and many more. The artist lives and works in New York.

Curated by Stella Rollig.

Happiness Runs
September 7, 2018 – January 13, 2019
Belvedere Museum Vienna
Prinz Eugen-Straße 27, 1030 Vienna