By his particular position in society an artist is always an artist – even while walking down the street or performing other daily activities. Public, viewer or audience on the other hand one can only become while perceiving, receiving art. The public does not exist outside the context of art – but can the context of art exist without recipients? Is the applause in the theater necessary to call the performance complete? Could the orchestra play a concert just for itself? Or to turn the question around: to what extent does the artist let the idea of an audience influence the conception and execution of his work?

A compilation from over 400 entries from all over Europe illustrates the different aspects of art reception. The works, selected by an international jury, are shown in thematic blocks, accompanied by other curated works and talks with the artists.

facingtheartwork