FOREST LONGING
Stories and Caricature
12.07.2025 - 28.06.2026
The forest has inspired humankind since time immemorial, and this fascination remains unbroken to this day. It is a place of longing, a natural space, and the source of countless stories. The exhibition sheds light on the forest and our conceptions about it from a variety of different perspectives: humorous, critical, and inspiring.
From fairy tales to climate change, from hunting scenes to recreational sports—the forest is a place that inspires our imagination and that of caricaturists. Illustrations by Bruno Haberzettl, Sarah Morrissette, Gerhard Glück, Erich Eibl and many others are an invitation to discover the forest in a very special way. With a variety of styles and subtle humor, they explore the relationship between humankind and nature. This themed exhibition presents selected comics, cartoons, and caricatures both hilarious and thought-provoking.
Forest, Wilderness, and Climate
In ancient times, the forest was seen as a dangerous wilderness. Over time, it was seen in a more positive light. In the age of climate change, the forest takes on an even more important role. It is a habitat, good for the climate, and threatened by human activities. Against this backdrop, the exhibition deals with a wide variety of representations of wilderness, danger, and human influence. The forest also comes into play when comic rock star Timo Wuerz delves into nature and species conservation.
Feel the Forest
In addition to the works, interactive stations with natural materials create a sensory experience for the whole family. The exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in a humorous yet profound world and be inspired by the many facets of the forest. Whether as a mystical fairytale backdrop or a critical reflection of society—here the forest and all its magic is made palpable.
Artists
Gustav von Bamberger, Wulf Bugatti, Manfred Deix, Erich Eibl, Wilhelm Emele, Ernst, Ralf Alex Fichtner, Paul Flora, Friedrich Gauermann, Gerhard Glück, Pepsch Gottscheber, Remigius van Haanen, Bruno Haberzettl, Gerhard Haderer, Horst Haitzinger, John Heartfield, Theodor von Hörmann, Rudi Hurzlmeier, IRONIMUS – Gustav Peichl, Stefan Kahlhammer, Benedikt Kobel, Sis M. Koch, Mathias Kollros, Ladislaus Kmoch, Veronika Lambertucci, Ulli Lust, Nicolas Mahler, Carl Moll, Sarah Morrissette, Luis Murschetz, Hans-Georg Rauch, La Razzia – Doris Schamp, Christoph Schwarz, Erich Sokol, Rolf Totter, Jean Veenenbos, Lukas Weidinger, Thomas Wizany, Timo Wuerz, Wolfgang Zöhrer
Find out more about Ulli Lust in the specific Excursus #13.
Curators: Gottfried Gusenbauer and Anna Steinmair