Fatima Hellberg, the newly appointed director of Vienna's mumok (Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig), has outlined her inaugural exhibition program and curatorial philosophy. Her first season, launching in June, will feature Kate Millett's newly acquired 1972 installation 'Terminal Piece,' an installation by scenographer Anna Viebrock, and a project by artist Tolia Astakhishvili.
Hellberg's vision centers on revitalizing the museum experience by navigating a 'productive tension' between preservation and activation. She argues against static, overly protective museum models, advocating instead for spaces that 'hold complexity,' sustain curiosity, and foster a sense of 'heightened presence' and connection for visitors. Her approach seeks to move beyond art as mere discourse and make museums feel alive and relevant in the contemporary moment.