Alice Stori Liechtenstein

Harnessing the Narrative Power of Objects: Applied Arts and Design as Curatorial Tools in Art Museums

Abstract

This PhD research investigates how applied arts and design objects can function as narrative and interpretive tools within art museum contexts. Focusing on materiality, object biography, and modes of display, the project examines how objects carrying cultural, historical, and aesthetic values can enrich exhibition narratives and enhance visitor engagement. In particular, it explores how placing applied-arts and design objects alongside fine art can support interdisciplinary curatorial approaches and offer layered and inclusive interpretations of specific periods, themes, or histories.

Using a practice-led methodology, the research combines theoretical analysis with curatorial experimentation, including test displays, developed at Schloss Hollenegg for Design, visitor questionnaires, and interviews. By analysing audience responses and curatorial strategies, the study argues for a integrated curatorial model that encourages dialogue across disciplines and embraces the coexistence of disciplines. The project aims to contribute to debates around object literacy and interdisciplinary curation, while providing museum and curatorial professionals with practical tools to create accessible, engaging, and meaningful exhibition experiences.

Areas of Research Interest

• Curatorial Practice and Theory
• Applied Arts 
• Design History and Theory
• Material culture
• Exhibition Making
• Museums Studies
• Interdisciplinarity

Biography

I am an Italian curator based in Austria, specialising in design and applied arts. I am the founder and director of Schloss Hollenegg for Design, a non-profit cultural institution in Austria dedicated to supporting design culture. The programme offers international residencies to practitioners working across design, craft, and applied arts, and produces an annual exhibition set within the historic rooms of Schloss Hollenegg.

Alongside my institutional work, I have curated exhibitions for international museums, galleries, and platforms, including: Glanz und Glamour: 200 Years Lobmeyr at MAK, Vienna (2023); Julia Felix: from Glass comes Glass at Salone del Mobile, Milan (2023); Portfolio at DCCI Gallery, Ireland (2022); Irish Craft for DCCI at Collect, London (2022); Conjuring Form at Doneraile, Ireland (2021); Split Personality at Friedman Benda, New York (2021); Ugly Design at Alcova Sassetti at Salone del Mobile, Milan (2019); Nadja Zerunian Curio at Design Miami, Miami (2018); Design after Darwin at the Venice Biennale (2018); Operae Design Fair in Turin (2017).

From 2012 to 2022 I was a lecturer at FH Joanneum. My curatorial and research interests focus on the narrative potential of objects, the role of material knowledge in exhibition contexts, and interdisciplinary approaches to curating applied arts and design.

Talks

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Contemporary Glass Making Practices. Glass Symposium, De Haag, 2024.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Bridging the Gap between Applied Arts and Design. UMPRUM Academy, Prague, 2023.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Schloss Hollenegg: Private Property, Common Good. University of Applied Arts Vienna (Die Angewandte), Vienna, 2023.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Design in Dialogue (with Glenn Adamson and Marlène Huissoud). Friedman Benda, New York, 2021.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Private Collections as Enablers. Ford House Foundation, Detroit, 2019.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Symposium: Me Craft – You Industry. MUDAM Luxembourg, 2018.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Why Design? Design as an Art Practice. Artissima, Turin, 2017.

Publications

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Wood Land. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2024.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Ashes & Sand. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2023.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. East to West. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2022.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Earth & Fire. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2021.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Walden. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2020.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Ad Mensam. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2019.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Legacy. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2018.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Why Design? Operae, 2017.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Morphosis. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2017.

Stori Liechtenstein, Alice. Slow. Exhibition catalogue. Schloss Hollenegg for Design, 2016.