Architecture symposiums on Viennese Modernism in Brazil

The symposiums took place in July and August 2023 in the cities of Porto Alegre and Goiânia in Brazil.

The architecture symposiums focused on the influence of Viennese Modernism on architecture in Brazil and were organised in cooperation with the City of Vienna. Both symposiums centred around the ingenious works of Otto Wagner that had a lasting impact on Vienna. In addition, there were exhibitions on the works of Otto Wagner and Clemens Holzmeister.

Golmar Kempinger-Khatibi, curator of the exhibition "Unlimited City - Otto Wagner (1841-1918)", and Angelina Kratschanova from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna participated in the symposiums. Andreas Nierhaus from the Wien Museum and art historian Markus Kristan contributed videos to the symposiums and provided more insight into the works of Otto Wagner and Clemens Holzmeister. Christian Holzmeister, the grandson of architect Clemens Holzmeister, sent a personal video message in Portuguese.

Multifaceted relations between Austria and Brazil

The events form part of the "Independence Cycle 2022-2025", an initiative by Stefan Scholz, Austrian ambassador to Brazil, on occasion of the 200^th anniversary of Brazil's independence. The cycle highlights the multifaceted relations between Austria and Brazil with a focus on Viennese Modernism, which also had an influence on architecture, literature, law, economics, and philosophy in Brazil.

The historically close relations between Austria and Brazil have continued to this day: In addition to strong economic ties, both countries focus on joint scientific, cultural and artistic projects and activities. The Austrian embassy in Brazil plays a central role in all this and contributes to strengthening the relations at different levels.