LEBEN is an exhibition of works by Belgian-German artist Carsten Höller (perhaps most well remembered for his huge slide-sculptures, which were temporarily installed for the Unilever Series at the Tate Modern from 2006 to 2007). Organised by Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (TBA21-Augarten) in cooperation with the Belvedere, LEBEN comprises an ensemble of familiar devices, tools, constructions and objects that create both a physical and conceptual space of experimentation. 

A major highlight of the exhibition is Elevator Bed (2010), which will surely thrill visitors looking for the perfect combination of art and adventure. The bed is mounted on a hydraulic rotating platform, which can be raised to a maximum height of 3.5 metres. It can be booked on a nightly basis through Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom, and offers guests a unique and solitary overnight experience in Vienna's lush Augarten Park. Before going to sleep, guests are instructed to brush their teeth with Insensatus Vol. 1 Fig. 1; a dream-inducing series of toothpastes based on an original recipe devised by Höller and the perfumer Ben Gorham. Other sensory delights include Giant Psycho Tank, a newly devised flotation tank for two, which contains a high concentration of Epsom salts. Visitors must undress and float on the water's surface to experience a sense of weightlessness. High above the heads of viewers, two pairs of trained bullfinches housed within a set of balanced aviaries form the Bullfinch Scale, and whistle a melody that becomes part of the soundtrack of the exhibition. 

Come 10 July, head down to TBA21-Augarten to have your senses stimulated by Höller’s works. LEBEN will run until 23 November.

Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary–Augarten, TBA21–Augarten, Scherzergasse 1A, 1020 Vienna, Austria

Images courtesy of the artist, the photographers and the gallery.