Analytical Beauty

200 Years of Flower Paintings

24.04. - 04.10.2026

Unbekannter Künstler, Rhododendron – Rote Blüte mit Zweig. Aus dem Bestand der Ständischen Zeichnungsakademie

Image Credits

Duration

24.04. - 04.10.2026

Opening

23.04.2026 19:00

Location

Neue Galerie Graz

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About the
Exhibition

This exhibition showcases previously unseen floral depictions from the Neue Galerie Graz collection. The exhibition features a variety of motifs, ranging from Biedermeier watercolours and Far Eastern colour woodcuts to contemporary interpretations of floral art. The link between science and art is evident throughout the exhibition, from the systematic pictorial documentation of botany in the form of realistic, detailed plant depictions to the full exploitation of the aesthetic qualities of the floral motif — one of the oldest motifs in art and cultural history.

The emerging natural sciences are particularly evident in the plant depictions of the early 19th century. Interestingly, modern science still favours painted representations of objects because they can reproduce details and contexts much more vividly than photographic processes. However, these depictions' appeal lies in the fact that they stimulate both our 'cool intellect' and our collective 'sense of beauty' in equal measure.

Natural History Museum

As part of BLOOM, an artwork by Suzanne Anker is being presented in the exhibition.

As part of BLOOM 2026, Neue Galerie Graz

Suzanne Anker

Series 'Vanitas (in a Petri Dish)'

24.04.–04.10.2026

For the exhibition Analytical Beauty at Neue Galerie Graz, American artist Suzanne Anker presents a multi-part photo series as a striking speculation on the future. In Petri dishes, Anker creates highly detailed arrangements bringing together endangered plants, insects, and fruits.

Vanitas (in a Petri Dish) is a photographic series composed of arranged still-life elements. Translating the Dutch vanitas tradition into photography, Anker uses the Petri dish as a symbol of what is yet to emerge, particularly in the field of synthetic biology.

A pioneer of bio art, Anker reflects on both the persistence and inevitable decay of living forms. Echoing historical vanitas paintings that warned against material excess, the works invite viewers to reflect on the fragility of life, ecological transformation, and human mortality.

You can see more of Suzanne Anker’s work at the Kunsthaus Graz.