STUDIO – THE CASTLE
In 2021, I got the opportunity to set up my art studio at an altitude of 850 meters in the 1000-year-old Burg Altpernstein. The castle is located in the Austrian Alps. I was filled with joy and gratitude. Even though I already knew the castle from my childhood and teenage years, I gradually learned more about its history. The castle was first mentioned in documents in 1160 and 1207. It underwent a transformation in the 16th century. The castle chapel is significant as a place of pilgrimage. Additionally, the castle served as an administrative building and a wonderful meeting place for many people and generations.
I was particularly impressed by the story of preservation in the 20th century. It was under the patronage of the Catholic Youth. This effort involved many people and generations from near and far. The entire history of renovation at the beginning of the 21st century is noteworthy. It was done by the Institute for Social Competence and the Leeb family. This impression solidified a thought in me. I realized that without all those people who maintained the castle, I wouldn’t manage to work here. The art historian Angelika Doppelbauer – kulturbegeistert.at – describes this circumstance in her speech for the exhibition LICHTUNGEN II at Monestary Seitenstetten as follows:
“The artist experiences herself embedded in the stream of history, in which every person is carried along and always building on what came before.”
The idea of the EREMITAGE-project has emerged in gratitude to the people who were here before. It is also in appreciation of those who are here today. Additionally, the EREMITAGE-project was born in recognition of my responsibility for those who will come after me.
In other words: It is not “my” place, “my” studio. It is a place of retreat for me, where I write and paint. A place of silence. However, the castle, under the leadership of ISK, is still a children’s and youth castle. At times, 150 children occupy the castle as part of school trips and excursions. So, the castle is anything but a quiet place. Up here, it is lively. There is laughter, play, hiking, and celebrations for birthdays and weddings. The castle is a place of the vibrant “WE”.
The EREMITAGE-project is an ongoing initiative with various focuses and activities that emphasize togetherness. Since 2021, there has been a program called AUSSICHTEN – movement despite every-thing. It is an ongoing cultural education program. The program features music, lectures, silent walks, painting improvisations, and open studio days with different artists. Thank you very much to all the contributing artists and art-loving guests!
FARBEBEKENNEN 