Hermann Nitsch

1938 Born in Vienna

1957 Develops the idea of the Orgien Mysterien Theater, a 6-day festival based on the artist's philosophy and which he has been developing down to the present day. The Orgien Mysterien Theater is a new form of the total work of art, one where reality is staged. All the senses are stressed and involved.

1960-66 Aktionen (action performances) and exhibitions take place in Vienna, resulting in several court trials and three prison terms. He therefore leaves Austria and moves to Germany where he lives till 1978.

1966 The Destruction in Art Symposium (DIAS), London; 20th action performance, Vienna

1968 Cinématheque, New York, performance of the 25th and 26th actions; University of Cincinnati, 28th action; moves to Bavaria, Germany, and marries Beate König in Munich

1971 Acquisition of Prinzendorf Castle (location of the Orgien Mysterien Theater)

1972 Participates in Documenta 5, Kassel, curated by Harald Szeemann; first 12-hour action performance (40th) at the Mercer Art Center in New York

1974 The 24-hour 50th action is performed in Prinzendorf

1977 Beate Nitsch dies in a car accident

1982 Participates in Documenta 7, Kassel

1983 Exhibition: Stedelijk van Abbe Museum, Eindhov...

Current Shows:

11.09.2010 Solo Exhibition, Museo Nitsch, Naples, Italy

22.05.2011 Solo Exhibition The Early Work, The Essence of the Duerckheim Collection, Hermann Nitsch Museum, Mistelbach, Austria

04.11.2011 Solo Exhibition "Hermann Nitsch - Structures", Leopold Museum, Vienna, Austria

17.11.2011 Solo Exhibition "Sight" Nitsch Foundation, Vienna, Austria

20.01.2012 »The Utopia of the GESAMTKUNSTWERK« 21er Haus, Vienna, Austria

03.02.2012 Solo Exhibition, Hermann Nitsch - Leviticus, Thoman modern, Innsbruck, Austria


Future Shows:

24.02.2012 Installation »Hermann Nitsch: Levitikus«, KunstKulturKirche, Frankfurt, Germany

02.06.2012 "Explosion painting in Action", Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden

11.05.2012 135th action at the "11th HAVANA BIENNIAL", Havana, Cuba

20.06.2012 »Hermann Nitsch: Personale«, Museum Moderner Kunst Kärnten, Klagenfurt, Austria

16.11.2012 »Hearing« Nitsch Foundation, Vienna, Austria