Laughing Through the Ages: Exhibition Celebrates the Art of Caricature in Neukirchen
The TAURISKA-Kammerlanderstall in Neukirchen am großvenediger recently hosted a vibrant exhibition opening celebrating the art of caricature, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd. the exhibition showcases the diverse talents of three artists, each bringing a unique viewpoint to this engaging art form.
Veteran artist Franz Stotter, a long-standing figure in the Pinzgau cultural landscape, presented his hand drawings and watercolors. Boasting a prolific output of around 700 works and over 160 front-page caricatures for the sporkulex newspaper, Stotter is now enjoying retirement pursuing hobbies like mountaineering, mountain biking, and herbal medicine.
Alongside his uncle, Gerhard Stotter, the exhibition’s youngest caricaturist, demonstrated a modern approach, creating his work digitally on a tablet. He has been designing front pages for Sporkulex sence 2007/2008, alternating with franz Stotter, blending humor with a critical eye.
Completing the trio was Doris Schamp, known professionally as La Razzia, one of the few women actively working in the caricature scene. Her imaginative and humorous works, displayed in the basement of the Kammerlanderstall, are notably noted for her distinctive human-like bird figures and thoughtful social commentary. Schamp’s work is held in several important collections.
The opening event featured laudatory speeches from cultural initiator Hubert Kirchner, who spoke about the Stotters’ contributions, and art historian mag. Martina Berger-klingler, who highlighted the artistry of Doris Schamp. Distinguished guests included Gabi Wagner from the Salzburg city Galleries, Mayor Andreas Schweinberger, Deputy Mayor Marlene Steiger-Brugger, former Mayor Peter Nindl, and Gottfried Hochgruber from South Tyrol.
Musical accompaniment was provided by the Musibriada Lukas and Tobias Krahbichler, playing customary Styrian harmonica.
The event also recognized the significant cultural work of the TAURISKA association, led by Susanna Vötter-Dankl, Sarah Vötter, and Christian Vötter, who have been fostering artistic talent in the region for nearly 40 years.
The Kammerlanderstall reaffirmed its position as a vital cultural hub, bringing art, music, and community together.
The exhibition runs until mid-April 2026, and is open on request and during events held at the TAURISKA-Kammerlanderstall in Neukirchen a. Grv.
