There's the worm in there
By FRANK LOTTERMANN (lyrics) LOTTERMANN AND FUENTES (photos)
January 6, 2023 The Austrian artist Erwin Wurm was exhibited in Venice until November, and sometimes he also exhibited himself.
The Austrian artist Erwin Wurm
“Skins” are the names of his new works.
Plaster casts or rather "avatars" of themselves.
There are twelve of us at a table for six at Harry's Bar in Venice.
But that's how it is when you go out to eat with Erwin Wurm, there are always more than planned.
Because Wurm had invited to the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana on St. Mark's Square the night before.
Although: "Loaded" is saying too much.
Everyone wanted to come to see Erwin Wurm and admire his new sculptures.
“Skins” are the names of his new works.
Plaster casts or rather “avatars” of himself, which he dissects with a scalpel like a surgeon and presents as aluminum sculptures, enlarged to up to four meters.
If you know Erwin Wurm, you understand that this is the logical further development of his "Fat" sculptures.
While I'm waiting for my risotto, an older American couple at the next table talks to me, they point to the stick of the bomber jacket on the back of Wurm's chair and ask: "Why 'Erwin Wurm' on a jacket?" I say: "Yes, Ma' am, this is Erwin!” and point to him.
"This is Erwin!"
A moment later, Wurm is already sitting at the table with the elderly couple who are collectors of his work.
Later he whispers to me: "You, they asked me, 'Do you still work?'
Yes, what are they thinking!?” He shakes his head and laughs.
Friends, collectors and art lovers from all over Europe came to the pre-opening the evening before.
Speeches are held, and when Erwin Wurm is supposed to speak, he only says: "I think a lot has already been said.
Glad you came." Laughs his contagious laugh again, walks away from the microphone and says: "Let's go downstairs and have a drink."
Élise Mougin-Wurm and a waiter in Harry's Bar
Isabel Zumtobel and Lila Schwarzenberg
Élise Mougin-Wurm and Frank Lottermann look over the artist's shoulder.
We all drink an Aperol Spritz, which is indispensable in Venice, while a Turkish gallery owner talks about his country's political problems, while a Viennese painter talks about his only vacation trip with his parents, which went to Venice at the time, and it's so funny that you get on your knees laughing.
A German actor says laconically: "Well, you don't go to Venice to eat well." And in between Erwin Wurm, with his subversive humor.
Rambichler cooks at "Sonnora" An exceptional figure in German gourmet history
Artist Paul Thuile Let there be sausage