Koloman Moser: Designing Modern Vienna, 1897–1907 September 29, 2013–January 12, 2014
Koloman Moser, Armchair, c. 1903, execution: Prag-Rudniker Korbwaren Fabrication; beechwood, painted white; woven cane seat, painted black and white. Photo © Neue Galerie New York
Koloman Moser, Poster for Frommes Kalender, 1899, execution: Albert Berger, Vienna, colored lithograph on paper, Serge Sabarsky Collection, New York. Photo: Hulya Kolabas, New York
Koloman Moser, Wardrobe from the Bedroom of the Eisler von Terramare Apartment, 1902–03, execution: J. W. Müller, probably Vienna; maple (formerly stained gray), marquetry of different woods, mother-of-pearl and ivory inlay, Ernst Ploil, Vienna. Photo © Ernst Ploil, Vienna
Koloman Moser, Sugar Box, 1903, execution: Wiener Werkstätte, Adolf Erbrich (silversmith); model no. S 21, silver and niello, Neue Galerie New York. Photo © Neue Galerie New York
Koloman Moser, Belt Buckle, 1904, execution: Wiener Werkstätte, Anton Pribil (goldsmith); model no. G 59, silver and opal, Asenbaum, London. © Asenbaum Photo Archive
Koloman Moser, Schwämme (Mushrooms), design no. 4003, 1899, execution: Johann Backhausen & Söhne, Vienna; wool, silk, and cotton, MAK–Austrian Museum for Applied Arts/Contemporary Art, Vienna
Unknown artist, Photograph of Koloman Moser, c. 1903, MAK–Austrian Museum for Applied Arts/Contemporary Art, Vienna. Photo © MAK
Koloman Moser, Poster for the Thirteenth Vienna Secession Exhibition, 1902, printer: Albert Berger, Vienna; colored lithograph on paper, the Museum of Modern Art, New York, gift of Joseph H. Heil, by exchange, 2010. Digital image © The Museum of Modern Art / Licensed by SCALA / Art Resource, NY
The MFAH presents the first museum retrospective in the United States devoted to Austrian artist and designer Koloman Moser. Instrumental in the modern design revolution that swept Vienna at the turn of the 20th century, Moser (1868–1918) worked across varied types of media, in both two and three dimensions. His art is often characterized by precise geometric styles and frequently uses a black-and-white grid pattern.
Koloman Moser: Designing Modern Vienna, 1897–1907 surveys the sum of Moser’s decorative-arts career through more than 200 objects, from jewelry, metalwork, glass, and ceramics to furniture, textiles, prints, and designs for architectural interiors. The exhibition comes to Houston following its premiere at the Neue Galerie in New York City.
A Taste of Austria
Enhance your visit! Stop by the Museum café to try some tasty Austrian beer or wine.
In-Gallery Extra: Audio Tour
Enhance your exhibition experience and learn more about the artwork on view. You may purchase the optional audio tour at the admissions desks.
Exhibition Shop & Catalogue
The MFAH Shop features a variety of exclusive merchandise related to Koloman Moser and other notable designers. Take home a taste of Vienna with distinctive gift and specialty items including paper goods, dinnerware, and cookbooks. The illustrated exhibition catalogue is available through The MFAH Shop (713.639.7360) and the Museum's Hirsch Library (713.639.7325).
This exhibition is co-organized by the Neue Galerie New York and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Generous funding is provided by:
John R. Eckel, Jr. Foundation
The Susan Vaughan Foundation
The Margaret Cooke Skidmore Exhibition Endowment
Dr. Marjorie G. Horning
Dale Family Foundation / Michael Dale
Jo and Jim Furr / Gensler
Ms. Cecily E. Horton
Anne Lamkin Kinder
Karol Kreymer / Robert J. Card, M.D.
Mithoff Family Foundation
Lauren Rottet
The Schissler Foundation
Leslie and Shannon Sasser
Louis H. Skidmore, Jr.