Austrian Johann Meduna carved wood obsessively – almost to its destruction – in an ongoing dialogue with the material, himself and possibly the viewer
Ever since the construction of Vienna’s Narrenturm (Fool's Tower) – Europe’s first purpose-built psychiatric institution – in 1784, during the reign of Emperor Joseph II, science has undertaken research into the difference between so-called sick and healthy people, especially in relation to the brain. Another matter of exploration has long been where and under what conditions patients with mental health issues and disabilities should be accommodated.
Johann Meduna at the Atelier de la Tour in 2010; photo: Gerhard Maurer
Cognitively impaired, Meduna was a member of the Diakonie de la Tour for most of his life, and his job as a bricklayer was set up and supported by the organisation. He began attending the atelier from the age of 40 or so and, a prolific artist, created constantly, almost 24 hours a day. In the words of Christian Rudolf, his long-time assistant, mentor and companion at the atelier, Meduna was “honest, direct, very emotional, and gifted with tons of imagination”. Art was an outlet for him. “He needed it,” says Rudolf. “It made his life easier; it allowed him to process the issues that preoccupied him”
By CHARLOTTE HRIBERNIG
This is an article extract; read the full article in Raw Vision 127.
