5 Things to Know about SPARK Art Fair Vienna 2025

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Three weeks to go until SPARK Art Fair returns to Vienna from March 21–23, 2025, at MARX HALLE, bringing together 90 galleries from five continents for a unique showcase of solo artist presentations. More than just an exhibition, SPARK blends traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology, featuring interactive installations, AI-driven discussions, and a family-friendly program. LARRY’S LIST highlights five reasons why SPARK 2025 is an unmissable cultural event, whether you’re a collector, a creator, or a curious visitor.

SPARK Art Fair 2024. Photo:  Robert Bodnar
SPARK Art Fair 2024. Photo: Robert Bodnar

 

A Gathering of Global Talent
SPARK Art Fair Vienna 2025 will once again serve as a premier stage for contemporary artists from around the world. This year, 90 galleries from five continents will present exclusive solo exhibitions, giving each artist a dedicated platform to showcase their work. From celebrated figures in the art world such as Sanja Ivecović, Gregor Schneider, Emeka Ogboh, Lois Weinberger or Selma Selman to emerging talents such as Vera Klimentyeva, Laura Killer or Lunita-July Dorn, the fair proposes a diverse and inspiring selection of artistic voices. Visitors can expect an engaging mix of paintings, photography, mixed media, and conceptual art, reflecting the latest trends and innovations in contemporary creativity.

SPARK Art Fair 2024. Photo:  Robert Bodnar
SPARK Art Fair 2024. Photo: Robert Bodnar


A Stage for Innovation: Art Meets Technology
Innovation is at the heart of this year’s fair, with a special emphasis on the fusion of art and technology. One of the standout installations will be “Parallels”. This site-specific and responsive machine learning installation transforms an LED wall into a portal for viewers to encounter the world and themselves through the lens of a neural network. As an interactive sculpture, “Parallels” integrates emerging machine vision technologies directly into the landscape and built environment, examining how these new forms of artificial intelligence fit within the long history of human sensemaking practices.
Another “digital activation” will be “The Smartphone Orchestra”, an interactive project that transforms visitors’ smartphones into a collective musical instrument. This participatory experience blurs the lines between audience and performer, demonstrating how digital technology can be harnessed to create immersive and communal artistic experiences. By integrating technology in this way, SPARK Art Fair highlights the evolving role of digital tools in contemporary artistic expression.

BMW Group’s Artistic Drive
For the second time, BMW Group Niederlassung Wien will partner with SPARK Art Fair as the official Mobility Partner, reinforcing the connection between art, design, and movement. A key highlight of this collaboration will be the unveiling of BMW’s iconic “David Hockney Art Car”, a dynamic fusion of contemporary art and engineering. Designed in collaboration with world-renowned artists, the Art Car project explores the concept of mobility as an artistic medium. In addition to the car’s exhibition at the fair, BMW will also host a series of exclusive events at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK), offering fresh perspectives on the intersection of innovation, design, and artistic experimentation.

SPARK Art Fair 2024. Photo:  Robert Bodnar
SPARK Art Fair 2024. Photo: Robert Bodnar

 

The GLOBE Theatre: Performances and Discussions
Beyond traditional exhibitions, SPARK Art Fair offers a rich program of performances, video art, and panel discussions at the GLOBE Theatre. Throughout the fair, this venue will host live events featuring artists, such as a lecture performance by Slavs and Tatars on Saturday, 22nd of March at 5 pm, curators, and art industry experts engaging in critical dialogues about contemporary issues. A major topic this year will be the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the art world, sparking debates about its implications for artistic practice and creative originality with panels such as “Art, AI & Disruption: DeepSeek – DeepArt?”, “ The Collecting Journey: Navigating Art, Digital Innovation, and Institutional Trends” hosted by TAEX and “Between Reality and Virtuality: Digital Art and AI”, moderated by Ulrich Schrauth.
All talks and performances at the GLOBE Theatre will be free of charge, making it an accessible space for audiences to engage with the thought-provoking conversations shaping today’s art scene.

A Family-Friendly Experience
SPARK Art Fair is committed to making contemporary art accessible to audiences of all ages. On March 23, a special “Kids’ Afternoon” will invite young visitors to engage with art through interactive exhibits, hands-on creative workshops, and guided tours designed specifically for children. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of art enthusiasts by encouraging playful exploration and creative expression. Admission for children up to the age of 14 is free, ensuring that families can enjoy a cultural experience without financial barriers.

Lunita-July Dorn, Alles mit Fein reimt sich auf Wein, 2024. Courtesy of Galerie Judith Andreae, Bonn
Lunita-July Dorn, Alles mit Fein reimt sich auf Wein, 2024. Courtesy of Galerie Judith Andreae, Bonn
THK Gallery, Samuel Nnorom, In Days Like This, Just Trust Me, 167 x 121 x 54cm, 2024
THK Gallery, Samuel Nnorom, In Days Like This, Just Trust Me, 167 x 121 x 54cm, 2024

 

For more details, visit: www.spark-artfair.com