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Moritz Kung
Independent curator and editor
Professional Background
Moritz Küng is a distinguished exhibition curator and book editor who has carved a niche at the intersection of contemporary art, architecture, film, and performance. With a profound commitment to site-specific projects, his curatorial endeavors reflect a thoughtful consideration of each exhibition's unique context. His expertise is backed by years of experience in renowned institutions across Europe, showcasing his adaptability and innovative approach to contemporary curating.
Throughout his impressive career, Moritz has held a variety of significant positions that highlight his leadership and vision within the arts community. He was the artistic director of the Architektur Forum in Zurich, where his contributions laid the groundwork for vibrant dialogues between architecture and contemporary art. He further enriched the cultural landscape as a curator at Le Magasin, the Centre national d’art contemporain in Grenoble, and as a curator at the Fondation pour l’Architecture in Brussels. His expertise expanded internationally when he took on the role of head of the visual arts program for the annual theatre and performance Festival a/d Werf in Utrecht. Most recently, he served as Senior Curator at deSingel, an international arts campus in Antwerp, and was appointed as the designated director of El Canodrom, a new center for contemporary art in Barcelona.
Moritz's portfolio is marked by several noteworthy projects that exhibit his passion for curating and his eye for innovative concepts. His recent exhibitions include captivating solo shows such as “Aglaia Konrad – Frauenzimmer ZWEI” as part of curated by_vienna at the RmL gallery in Vienna (2014), and “Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster – Ballard Garden,” featured in the collection project “Curating the Campus 2004-2014” at deSingel in Antwerp (2014). The range of his work also reflects his ability to embrace various artistic mediums, demonstrated through projects like “Mevis & Van Deursen - Our Art,” presented at the 26th Brno Biennial for Graphic Design (2014), and “The Umbrella Corner,” an exhibition series with contributions from notable artists including Dora Garcia and Matt Mullican at ProjecteSD in Barcelona (2012-2013).
Moritz's curatorial contributions extend to significant group exhibitions such as
held at Secession in Vienna (2011) and
at deSingel in Antwerp (2010). Beyond exhibitions, Moritz has actively engaged in scholarly discussions and symposia, such as “The Age of Less” at La Loge in Brussels (2013) and “Making and Collecting Artists’ Books” at the ArtsLibris Book Fair in Barcelona (2014). His role as a jury member for the prestigious Golden Lions at the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2010 further underscores his status in the international art scene.
Education and Achievements
Moritz Küng's academic journey laid a strong foundation for his successful career in the arts. He studied for his Master's degree in Architecture and Interior Architecture at the esteemed Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of spatial design and artistic vision. His academic pursuits were further complemented by a focus on Art History at the VUB in Brussels, allowing him to deeply engage with the critical narratives that define contemporary art.
Moritz's educational background has not only informed his curatorial practice but has also extended into teaching and mentoring. He has served as a guest teacher in exhibition design and curatorial practice at the HfG University of Arts and Design, sharing his wealth of knowledge and inspiring the next generation of curators and artists. His commitment to mentorship demonstrates his belief in the importance of fostering creativity and exploration within the arts community.
Over the years, Moritz has achieved several accolades and milestones that highlight his stature within the contemporary art sector. His curatorial work at important international events such as the Belgium pavilion at the 25th Sao Paulo Art Biennale (2002) and the 11th Venice Architecture Biennale (2008) stands as testament to his capacity to represent national narratives on prestigious stages. Additionally, he has curated a broad spectrum of exhibitions that foster interdisciplinary dialogues, reinforcing his vision for a globally interconnected art ecosystem.
Notable Projects and Exhibitions
Moritz Küng's career is characterized by a series of engaging and impactful projects. His solo exhibitions have received acclaim for their thoughtful curation and immersive experiences. The “Aglaia Konrad – Frauenzimmer ZWEI” exhibition, showcased at the RmL gallery in Vienna, exemplifies Moritz's ability to create spaces that challenge traditional perceptions of art and engage audiences on multiple levels. Similarly, the “Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster – Ballard Garden” project afforded visitors a unique interaction with concepts of space and perception.
Among his group exhibitions, “The fifth column” at Secession in Vienna (2011) and “2 ½ dimensional: Film featuring Architecture” at deSingel, Antwerp (2010) stand out for their interdisciplinary approach, inviting dialogue among artists, architects, and audiences alike. These exhibitions not only represent the creative vision of the participating artists but also reflect Moritz's skill in crafting compelling curatorial narratives that resonate with contemporary issues.
In addition to exhibitions, Moritz has been a prolific contributor to academic discourse through symposia and seminars. His involvement in conversations such as “The disappearance of the exhibition” at the HfG-University of Arts and Design in Karlsruhe (2013) demonstrates his dedication to exploring the evolving role of exhibitions within our rapidly changing cultural landscape.
As he steps into the role of director at El Canodrom, Moritz's vision for contemporary art will undoubtedly continue to evolve and flourish. His extensive experience, combined with a forward-thinking perspective, positions him uniquely to guide this new institution into becoming a significant contributor to the contemporary art discourse.
Moritz Küng continues to pursue artistic endeavors that reflect his unwavering commitment to exploring the unique intersections of contemporary art, architecture, film, and performance, creating vibrant dialogues within the cultural fabric of our society.