The exhibition explores Park Abbey's soul (genius loci) and its significance in the 21st century. The abbey's rich history and the Norbertine core values Localitas, Actio and Contemplatio provide the inspiration. These are translated into a contemporary context and show how art can contribute to current and global issues.
"This exhibition at Museum PARCUM is a perfect example of how we use our heritage to understand today’s socio-economic and environmental challenges. Artists can play an important role in addressing these challenges using the power of imagination. Inspired by centuries-old Norbertine traditions, we want to make the abbey a place where past, present and future come together. Through contemporary art, we invite visitors to reflect and take action. In this way, the exhibition fits nicely with Park Abbey's mission: 'tradition in innovation, innovation in tradition' "," explains the project team of Park Abbey and PARCUM.
International curatorial team
- Daniel Feldman is founder of ZITA, an architecture studio focused on community development, environmental protection and heritage conservation. His work has received international recognition, including at theVeniceBiennale.
- Katya García-Antón is an art historian, curator and researcher in Oslo. Her work focuses on collectivity, solidarity, and the role of art in addressing the climate crisis and strengthening communities, with a special focus on indigenous perspectives.
- María Inés Rodríguez is director of the Walter & Nicole Leblanc Foundation in Brussels and artistic director of Tropical Papers. She previously worked at CAPC Muséed'art Contemporain in Bordeaux and MUAC in Mexico City.
- Ana Sokoloff is artistic director of Bodega Piloto in Bogotá and has extensive experience in promoting contemporary Latin American art. She was previously Vice President at Christie's and developed innovative exhibitions in New York.
“As a team, we are extremely honoured to curate this ambitious exhibition. Park Abbey is an iconic site, a fantastic monument, architecturally and scenically, that is being reshaped and reinvented as a centre of cultural and social significance. This mission resonates deeply with our passion for contemporary art and its ability to respond to many present narratives, spiritual beliefs, and timelines. We are excited to explore the genius loci of Park Abbey and connect this to relevant questions in today’s world," the curators say in chorus. "By bringing art and research together, we are taking a fresh look at the stories relating to this unique place. This allows us to discover new perspectives that enrich the visitor’s experience and make us reflect on the future of the abbey at this challenging juncture."
Opening of the restored abbey
The exhibition coincides with the completion of the restoration of Park Abbey. For the first time in more than a decade, all monastery buildings will be opened to the public, including the north pledge corridor, the east wing and the old attic above the dormitory. More details about the exhibition will follow in the coming months.
Curatorial team from left to right: Ana Sokoloff, Katya García-Antón, Daniel Feldman and María Inés Rodríguez