Josef Hoffmann, Adolf Loos, and Their Impact
MAK, Vienna, 17 December 2014 – 19 April 2015

Josef Hoffmann, Bedroom in the Johanna and Dr. Johannes Salzer apartment, 1902 (reconstruction) © MAK/Georg Mayer
and Adolf Loos, Bedroom in the Lina and Adolf Loos apartment, 1903 (reconstruction) © Peter Kainz/MAK

The exhibition presents a contrasting selection of works from two pioneers of Modernism, complete with historical background and examples of their impact extending up to the present day. Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) and Adolf Loos (1870–1933) were the most important architects and designers in Vienna around 1900 in the generation after Otto Wagner (1841–1918). They developed two contrary approaches to the expression of individuality and self-realization among modern consumers. Josef Hoffmann followed a revolutionary path that led to the creation of utilitarian objects and architecture as aesthetic products in an ever-changing array of new designs. Adolf Loos pursued an evolutionary strategy that viewed utilitarian objects and architecture not as art products, but as the discrete background for individual lifestyles. These two contrary mindsets represent fundamental interpretations of the tasks of modern architects and designers as well as different images of modern lifestyles of the emancipated citizen.