Thaddaeus Ropac Opens Sean Scully and Not Vital Exhibitions in Salzburg and Sam
The Facts
On July 24, 2026, Thaddaeus Ropac announced two summer exhibitions: a solo show of new abstract paintings by Sean Scully at the gallery's Mirabellplatz space in Salzburg, and a presentation of surreal self-portraits by Swiss artist Not Vital at the gallery's location in Sam, Switzerland. Scully's exhibition marks a continued exploration of his 'rough' abstraction, which he describes as a deliberate turn away from Minimalist reduction toward a more expressive, impure form of painting that retains a longing for the figurative. Not Vital's show fills the Sam hall with self-portraits that blend humor and surrealism, inviting viewers to imagine tactile sensations.
The Signal
The dual exhibitions underscore Thaddaeus Ropac's strategy of pairing established international figures with regional artists across its European outposts. Scully's ongoing commitment to a tactile, emotionally charged abstraction—citing Rothko and German Expressionism—reinforces his position as a bridge between American Minimalism and European painterly tradition. Not Vital's playful surrealism offers a counterpoint, highlighting the gallery's interest in artists who challenge perceptual norms. For collectors, the shows provide a rare side-by-side view of two distinct approaches to figuration and abstraction, both rooted in physical experience.
- Artists: Sean Scully, Not Vital
- People: Sean Scully, Not Vital
- Galleries: Thaddaeus Ropac
- Locations: Salzburg, Sam
The Morning Signal · Daily
Get stories like this in your inbox
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
The Jobs Digest · Weekly
New art-world jobs, every Monday
The Jobs Digest rounds up the week’s new museum, gallery, and auction-house openings — with salary when disclosed. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.
