Vienna – as we all know – is home to some of the world’s major museums and galleries, but SPARK Art Fair has carved out its own space in the scene and is opening its doors from March 21–23. This innovative fair has quickly become a must-visit for collectors and art lovers alike, showcasing fresh perspectives and cutting-edge contemporary art. We caught up with its artistic directors, Walter Seidl and Jan Gustav Fiedler, to talk about the city’s creative pulse, why galleries shouldn’t miss out on showing at SPARK, and whether they’ve ever been tempted to step away from the art world…
Would you kindly share with us: How did both of your art careers start?
JGF: By bringing together emerging artists and unique architecture. My curatorial approach was always to create a platform for young talents, enabling them to articulate contemporary narratives and exhibit them in a variety of different locations such as historic industrial halls, ballrooms, bunkers or parks.
WS: I had the idea to curate an exhibition because there are so many good artists whose works needed to be shown together. Then came the exhibition and this went on and on until the present day.
What’s your favorite moment in the art world year?
JGF: For me, it is not a certain day in the calendar but the moment you just know that you are encountering something really, really special. This can be at the Venice Biennale, Spark or a tiny independent space in Berlin.
WS: Spring and fall are principally those seasons, when most things happen in the art world, but also the busiest for me personally.
Elevator pitch: Why should a gallery consider signing up for Spark? And why should a collector travel to Vienna to see the fair?
JGF: Because at Spark, the focus really is on the art itself. Each artist is being given the same exact space for its presentation, thus allowing the audience to have a deeper interaction with the exhibited creative processes. For galleries this creates the opportunity to introduce an emerging artist to an international audience. We are proud to act as a breakout moment for young talents. This also makes Spark an exciting destination for collectors to encounter new discoveries. And of course, the city itself and the fantastic program we provide to our visitors throughout all fair days.
WS: SPARK is the most international art fair in Austria and Vienna is always worth a visit, as it has been labelled the most liveable city in the world several times. In addition, the MARX Halle is one of the most interesting venues for any kind of events in town. Thus, there is no reason not to come.
What to expect from the upcoming fair edition? Focus topics, new formats, etc.?
JGF: Building on the success we had last year with digital presentations by Refik Anadol, Signe Pierce and Tim Berresheim among others, I personally am very much looking forward to incorporating 2025 even more digital highlights such as the Lumen Prize winning Installation “Parallels” or the Spark debut of TAEX, who will also host one of their well-known “Digital Dialogues” within our talks program.
WS: For me as a curator, the most exciting part of SPARK 2025 is that there are a number of artists who have already exhibited at documenta, such as Sanja Iveković, Lois Weinberger, Georgia Sagri, Emeka Ogboh, Selma Selman, or Dorothee Golz.
What can be discovered at Spark that can’t be found at any other of the leading European fairs?
JGF: what is really unique at Spark is the generous use of space. You never feel overwhelmed or boxed in, the art and the visitors alike have enough space to breathe.
WS: Whoever artist is shown, is represented with a variety of works, which makes visitors and collectors get an enormous insight into their works.
Ever thought of leaving the art world, and what made you go on?
JGF: I never considered leaving, there is just too much to discover and to contribute. Experiencing moments as mentioned earlier every once in a while and being part of something exciting as building up Spark are more than enough reason to keep moving forward.
WS: This is something that all of us art and cultural workers think of from time to time, but we do what we can do best, that’s why we stay where we are.
How would you describe the current art world mood in Austria?
JGF: It is a mixture of exiting international interest with so many creatives from all over the world moving to Vienna combined with a deep frustration regarding the current political situation.
WS: There has never been such a great diversity in terms of established as well as young galleries with a high profile, which makes collectors get an immense choice in finding the right works from all around the globe.
Is there any particularly opening of a show, new institution, collection etc this year which excites you?
JGF: In Vienna I am very much looking forward to the opening of the newly founded Galerie Roberta Keil shortly before Spark on 8th of March, internationally I can´t wait to see the UBS Digital Art Museum in Hamburg opening its doors.
WS: Many big institutions have new directors, which leads to a shuffling of roles, contents and exciting new spirits.
What are your favourite 3 arty places which should not be missed during a weekend trip to Vienna?
JGF: Besides a stroll through various Viennese galleries and institutions I would always recommend to include at least one theatre performance, followed by a close-up inspection of the Kokoschka painting located inside the Loos bar.
WS: You should never miss the Museum’s Quarter, Secession, and visit as many galleries as possible.
Fotocredits: © aeliaandthecamera
