The Academy mourns the death of Gerda Kaltenbrunner

Gerda Kaltenbruner, who is held in high esteem at the Academy, was appointed professor at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna in 2005 to establish the Studio for Conservation-Restoration of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Institute for Conservation-Restoration. She chaired the department for 15 years and was the first female professor for this then-new field at the Academy; she was also the first female professor at the Institute for Conservation-Restoration.

Gerda Kaltenbruner's work was defined by great commitment, knowledge, experience, and empathy for art and its students. She has broadened horizons for conservation, stimulated intellectual discourse, and made a significant impact with precision and charm. Gerda Kaltenbruner, drawing on her practical restorative experience and extensive knowledge, has translated the issues for the conservation-restoration of modern and contemporary art at the Academy into a lively discourse on cultural studies.

We thank Gerda Kaltenbruner for her commitment and dedication to the Academy.

Our condolences and sympathy go to the family and the bereaved as well as to all colleagues at this sad time.

Johan Hartle, Ingeborg Erhart and Werner Skvara