PRESS RELEASE

The Styria Paravent was presented as a symbol of friendship between Styria and Osaka.

Osaka, 19 June 2025 – As part of the official celebrations for Austria’s contribution to Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Styria Paravent by Styrian artist Tom Lohner was formally handed over as a guest gift to the City of Osaka and the Osaka University of the Arts.

This symbolically charged artwork was ceremoniously presented at the Austrian Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka/Japan and stands as a vivid representation of the cultural bridge between Austria and Japan.

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Statements by the Speakers

Mr. KOSOKABE Takeshi
Honorary Vice-Consul
Art has the unique power to build bridges between cultures and nations.
He expressed the hope that Tom Lohner’s Styria Paravent would strengthen and deepen the ties between Styria, Austria, and the City of Osaka – especially with the Osaka University of the Arts.

Dr. TSUKAMOTO
Vice President, Osaka University of the Arts
Dr. Tsukamoto expressed his deep appreciation that the Osaka University of the Arts was chosen as the future home of the Styria Paravent.

He emphasized that the artwork impresses not only as a whole but also fascinates through its finely detailed elements.

The university is currently hosting an exhibition on the artworks of Expo 1970, which also took place in Osaka. Dr. Tsukamoto is convinced:
If Osaka hosts another world exposition in 55 years, the Styria Paravent will once again be on display as a living piece of cultural heritage.

He also underlined that this project marks only the beginning of a series of meaningful initiatives that will further connect the art and culture of Styria and Osaka.

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Appreciation from the Austrian Delegation

The Austrian ICS delegation also acknowledged the importance of this artistic gesture.
In their speeches, Regional Minister DI Willibald Ehrenhöfer, Ambassador Mag. Michael Rendi, and Second President of the Styrian Parliament Christopher Drexler unanimously highlighted the symbolic and diplomatic value of the gift.

They described the Styria Paravent as a powerful sign of cultural friendship with an impact that will reach far beyond the boundaries of the Expo.

They extended their gratitude in particular to artist Tom Lohner for his outstanding work, and to Martin Baasch, curator of the Austrian Pavilion, for his dedicated realization and mediation of this ambitious project.

Fine Wine Meets Art

A special highlight of the event was the presentation and tasting of an exclusive Pinot Gris from Weingut Krispl – the official wine accompanying the Styria Paravent.
The label of this limited edition bottle features an artistic interpretation of the winery, designed by Tom Lohner himself.
This motif is also an integral part of the Styria Paravent, thus uniting wine, region, and art in a singular expression.

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An Artwork with Vision

The Styria Paravent impressively combines the natural beauty and cultural identity of Styria with the urban energy and forward-looking spirit of Osaka.
It will be permanently displayed at the Osaka University of the Arts – as a lasting symbol of connection, inspiration, and cooperation between two cultures.

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Presscontact:
Klaus Billinger klaus@tomlohner.com // tom@tomlohner.com