Martin Chramosta. Das Schloss

The Kunsthalle Palazzo is dedicating a comprehensive solo exhibition to the artist Martin Chramosta titled “Das Schloss” (The Castle). Chramosta works at the intersection of sculpture, drawing, performance, and installation. His practice involves a multifaceted exploration of architectural set pieces and historical references. Using materials such as iron, glazed ceramics, and found objects, he creates fragmentary objects—including fictional gates and facades—that break with familiar architectural conventions. The term “Das Schloss” (The Castle) weaves together multiple ideas. It serves as a projection surface for historical, architectural, social, and literary fantasies. A castle can be many things: magnificent, eerie, protective, forbidding, labyrinthine, mystical, decadent, and elegant. In German, the term also has an interesting double meaning. “Schloss” refers not only to a building, but also to the device used to lock or bolt it. Etymologically related to “schliessen” (to close), and perhaps also to “Schluss” (end), it always conveys the idea of enclosing and preserving—be it a secret, a treasure, a story, or a taboo. The exhibition was curated by Michael Babics and Olivia Jenni.