by Katharina Sabernig. Sabernig is not only a renowned anthropologist and physician, but also an artist whose work deals intensively with the representation of the human body in science and art. The exhibition shows her knitted anatomical objects, which are presented in conjunction with the Josephinum’s historical wax models.
Katharina Sabernig, born in Linz in 1971, combines her professional expertise with a passion for the artistic exploration of the human body in her work. Since 2015, she has dedicated herself to creating hand-knitted replicas of anatomical structures and organs. She draws inspiration from anatomical representations, such as those found in the historical teaching collections of the Josephinum, while at the same time questioning their social implications.
The exhibition brings the textile works into an exciting dialog with the anatomical wax models, which have served as instructive objects for medical students since the collection was founded under Emperor Joseph II in 1785. While the wax models are known for their scientific accuracy and depict the anatomy of the human body in a naturalistic form, the knitted interpretations offer a sensual and contemporary view of the same themes. The textile artworks challenge the viewer to reflect not only on the functionality and representation of the human body, but also on the way knowledge is visualized in medicine. "We are delighted to present the creativity and expertise of artist Katharina Sabernig to the public. The exhibition is intended to give visitors of all’ages a new and less intrusive way of looking at anatomy," says Director Christiane Druml.
Special exhibition "Anatomie in Maschen"
Exhibition duration: November 6, 2024 - February 22, 2025
Josephinum - Museum of Medical History Vienna
Währinger Straße 25, 1090 Vienna; www.josephinum.ac.at
Opening hours Wed-Sat, 10:00-18:00, Thu, 10:00-20:00
Guided tours: Thursdays 18:30, Saturdays 11:00