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Immortality in art: reading and exhibition in Ottakring!
Discover the open reading evening “imsterblich” on November 16th in Ottakring with readings and art by well-known authors and artists.
Immortality in art: reading and exhibition in Ottakring!
On November 16, 2025, the kunst-projekte association in Vienna will organize a special open reading evening under the motto “immortal”. This event offers a platform for creative minds and highlights the diverse relationship between art, literature and the immortal potato. This evening will feature numerous talented authors and artists who will not only present their works, but also explain the history and significance of the potato in culture.
The authors Doris Kloimstein, Franziska Bauer, Jacqueline Fedy and Daniela Noitz will present their texts at the event. What is particularly interesting is that Jacqueline Fedy will present her children's book about the French agronomist Antoine-Augustin Parmentier this evening. Parmentier, who lived from 1737 to 1813, pioneered potato cultivation in France and Europe, making the potato an important food source, such as Wikipedia reported. His life's work, which also includes numerous scientific publications, had a decisive influence on food security in France.
Art and potatoes – a fascinating connection
As part of the event, the artist Martin Hammerschmid will present his exhibition “Life Drawings 2025”. In his nude and portrait drawings he places particular emphasis on emotions and thus combines representation with abstraction. Hammerschmid, who was born in Salzburg and has been exhibiting in Vienna since 2023, complements the evening's concept in an exciting way. The exhibition will be viewable until December 14, 2025.
The potato, which came to Europe from South America in the 16th century and was often misunderstood as animal feed, has also found its place in art. It is used as a central motif by many artists, such as Vincent van Gogh in his famous painting “The Potato Eaters”. According to that German Potato Museum The tuber has transformed from a food for the poor to a slimming agent in modern diet cuisine and is valued as an “indispensable savior in times of need”.
From fear to acceptance
Despite initial prejudices and even a ban on cultivation until 1772, Parmentier had a decisive influence on the acceptance of the potato. During the Seven Years' War he was captured and had to use the tuber as a source of food - he quickly recognized its value and began to promote its benefits. This ultimately led to the Paris Medical Faculty declaring the potato edible in 1772, which set the stage for its breakthrough.
The November 16th event is not only a celebration of creative expression, but also a look back at the surprising and often underappreciated history of the potato in art and literature. The authors and artists give the audience the opportunity to rediscover the many facets and cultural significance of the “Treasure of the Earth”.