Dolnorakouská zemská výstava: Josef Karl Rädler – malíř, básník, pacifista, moralista

The Austrian Cultural Forum and the Ambit Gallery present the work of Austrian painter Josef Karl Rädler (1844–1917). This porcelain painter, who was born in Sokolov, the former Falkenau an der Eger in Western Bohemia, was placed in psychiatric care in 1893 at his family’s urging. During his stay at what was then the Mauer-Öhling Provincial Medical and Care Institute, where he lived until his death, he created hundreds of watercolors that vividly document daily life at the institute.

The presentation of Josef Karl Rädler’s works is part of the Lower Austrian State Exhibition 2026, “When the World Is Upside Down. The Human Being. The Mind. Health.” The State Exhibition explores how society has approached mental illness over the centuries. It will be on view through November 8, November 2026 at the Mauer Provincial Clinic near Amstetten.

The exhibition opening will take place on Wednesday, July 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the gallery of the Austrian Cultural Forum, with representatives from the Department of Art and Culture of the Federal State of Lower Austria in attendance. Interpretation will be provided.