In the courthouse 'Justizzentrum', where things can sometimes get personal for those involved, the topic of art is handled sensitively. Art rightfully claims its place there to enliven the daily courtroom environment through creative dialogue. From the outset, the court administration has been most supportive of the artists who organize the exhibition themselves.
Each artist participating in this project is provided a space for about 10-15 artworks, which they can utilize while adhering to the court's restrictions: no politics, religion, nudity, or violence. The contemporary art presentation features works in oil, acrylic, ink, pastel, pencil, charcoal, tempera, graphite, colored pencil, gouache, and mixed media. Creations made from sand ranging from Europe to Australia, as well as artisanal techniques like porcelain painting, papier-mâché, or textile techniques, are showcased. Children's drawings from the large slum of Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya—a charity project by the Slum Children Art association benefiting the Bamba Kids project—complete the diverse program.
The concept of showcasing artistic diversity in a courthouse, from which artists, litigants, and court staff equally benefit, is widely appreciated. A prime example of the harmonious coexistence of different life spheres, it vividly shows that supposed contradictions do not necessarily conflict but can enrich each other through mutual exchange. According to a critic, the result is an "aesthetic ambiance for artistic expressions that act as therapeutic decoration."
"We find ourselves with our exhibition in a courthouse with public traffic, where people struggle with their emotions even without our intervention." - quote by Veronika Junger
But what exactly is "Kunst zu Recht" and how does it work?
"Kunst zu Recht" at Justizzentrum Vienna was founded by artist Veronika Junger and spans over 24 floors, about 3000 linear meters and has been ongoing since November 2009 with permanent and rotating artists. The exhibition places great emphasis on diversity and the harmonious coexistence of various perspectives, viewpoints, and insights in multiple implementations, consciously avoiding provocation. "Kunst zu Recht" is a coalition of various artists and artist groups, providing a platform for both self-taught and academically trained artists to display their works in public buildings. The benefits for all involved are clear: the courts enjoy free space design, the artists benefit from free exhibition space, and the visiting public enjoys varied viewing opportunities during their waiting times. Also "Kunst zu Recht" maintains active collaboration with various art associations: Slum Children Art, art4life, the Professional Association of Visual Artists of Austria, El-Kordy artist group, rearte gallery, ArteMIX, Kunstschaffen, and more.
Where does "Kunst zu Recht" aim to go?
"Kunst zu Recht" seeks to offer broad exhibition opportunities for academic and self-taught artists who lack fame and defined market value and often do not have access to galleries and other professional exhibition venues due to those high renting costs. Our access is open to all artists, young or old, regardless of nationality, and regardless of stylistic and technical characteristics ("Diversity is our strength"). The only way to enhance quality is through curation. Understandably, all courts must exclude themes of violence, politics, religion, and nudity, making this forum particularly suitable for international and integrative basic collaboration, as well as special exhibitions (Slum Children Art) of the most sensitive nature. Justice and art in harmony, thus: "Kunst zu Recht"
Benefits for the individual districts:
Due to the diverse matters handled in court—civil, rental, inheritance, divorce issues, traffic accidents, witness statements, and much more—many citizens are confronted with district court proceedings throughout their lives and thus spend time in courthouse buildings. During the often uncomfortable waiting times in the corridors, viewing the artworks provides the parties or witnesses with a soothing diversion from the sterile official environment. For base artists, graduates of art schools, and career changers, the opportunity to exhibit in public buildings is an affordable way to be seen by a broad audience. Established artists from home and abroad also take advantage of the exhibition opportunities.
