Ausstellung im Schütz Art Museum - "Private Preziosen - Sammlung XY 2"

Exhibition at the Schütz Art Museum, “Private Treasures – Collection XY 2,” September 19 through November 30, 2026

As an outsider, one often wonders how private art collections come into being, what criteria guide acquisitions, what decisions are made—how, when, and where—and whether, and if so, what influences or role models come into play. What is the approach to art, what philosophy, what era, and what genre is represented—and why? Is the collection—in the sense of a mannerist, consistent, and faithful eclecticism—one that grows steadily, or is it temporary in nature, constantly changing through a steady cycle of exchange and trade? What is the relationship between estimated value and appreciation? Are purchases made directly from artists in their studios, at art fairs, in galleries, or through trusted art dealers? Should art be interpreted as an investment, or purely as a way to pay homage to beauty in life? Reverent. As a tribute to life, as a hymn to creation?

The Schütz Art Museum is pleased to offer an answer to this question by presenting a “private art collection” in its exhibition spaces for the second time. The collection of a couple from Lower Austria—who wish to remain anonymous but have been trusted art advisors for decades—currently comprises several dozen works. Over time, a personal arc has emerged, comprising oil paintings, works on paper, and sculptures. In addition to works by Valentin Oman, the exhibition features works by Carl Moll, Werner Berg, Egon Schiele, Sebastian Isep, as well as paintings by Alfons Walde, Albin Egger-Lienz, Anton Faistauer, Koloman Moser, Mikl, Mahringer, Kolig, Floch, Oppenheimer, Zoran Music, as well as works by exiles such as Willy Eisenschitz, Wilhelm Thöny, and others. The pluralism of the XY 2 Collection is illustrated by the fact that numerous works of contemporary art are represented, including pieces by rising star Li Hua, as well as works by Hermann Nitsch, Hans Staudacher, Max Weiler, Hoke, and Moser. The portfolio is rounded out by sculptures by Oskar Höfinger, Fritz Wotruba, Joannis Avramidis, Yanni Souvatzoglou, Charlotte Seidl, and Josef Pillhofer. It is not the appraised value that matters, but the appreciation.

“A life without culture is unimaginable,” Ms. Y states clearly and decisively. For her, art is a way to escape the stress of everyday life. Art is also a means of connecting people across cultures. Being able to take pleasure in beauty is a noble goal and a precious asset.