27 November 2024
 Since its opening in 2022, the Heidi Horten Collection has surprised with a special art Christmas tree every year. In 2024, Vienna's new art museum, centrally located near the Vienna State Opera, continues its annual X-mas series by inviting contemporary artists to reinterpret festive traditions. As of yesterday, the sculpture 'Blue Lips (Kiss-mas)' by the Slovenian-born, Vienna-based artist Maruša Sagadin is prominently displayed in the museum, following works by Manfred Erjautz (2022) and Tillman Kaiser (2023, article). Sagadin's oversized sculpture resembles a plum-shaped Christmas tree ornament, fusing holiday symbolism with her signature style. The blue lips serve as a subversive nod to beauty norms, while the title 'Kiss-mas' transforms 'X-mas' into a playful homage to kissing, emphasizing human connection and intimacy. The green base and bold blue color also touch on themes of feminist empowerment and pop culture, referencing Charli XCX's 'Brat Girl Summer', as mentioned in the press release. And yes, the wit of the sculpture unfolds perfectly when viewed through the lens of the 'brat'. Known for challenging traditional sculpture, Sagadin blends architecture, pop culture, and humor to explore gender, identity, and social dynamics. Her works often serve as platforms for marginalized groups, using exaggerated forms and bold materials to provoke thought and interaction. In a video posted on Instagram, shot in the studio and at the Heidi Horten Collection, Maruša Sagadin talks about the creation of the sculpture 'Blue Lips (Kiss-mas)' and the meanings behind the lips and the blue color. Image: The picture shows artist Maruša Sagadin standing next to her artwork ''Blue Lips (Kiss-mas)'', which resembles a plum-shaped Christmas tree ornament for the X-mas series 'Contemporary Christmas Tree' of the Heidi Horten Collection in Vienna. The installation will be on view at the Heidi Horten Collection from November 26, 2024 to February 2, 2025. Photo: © Simon Veres. |
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