Exploring the Surreal: 'Strange!' Exhibition at Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection
The 'Strange!' exhibition at the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection invites visitors into the enigmatic realm of surrealism, particularly highlighting the contributions of artists during the Cold War era. This captivating display showcases the works of approximately forty artists, predominantly from East Germany, who utilized surrealism as a means of escaping the harsh realities of their time.
As attendees enter the exhibit, they are greeted by an impressive work by Belgian artist Paul Delvaux, featuring a watchman holding a lantern, seemingly awaiting the arrival of a train that approaches with a billowing plume of smoke. The eerie atmosphere is enhanced by the presence of a young woman in a flowing blue dress, presenting an alluring yet unsettling scene. This introduction sets the tone for the surreal journey that unfolds throughout the exhibition.
While the exhibit is centered on surrealism, many of the featured artists did not strictly identify with this movement, which is often considered to have ended with the death of its founder, André Breton, in 1966. The exhibition begins its narrative in the 1960s, showcasing around sixty works sourced from the collections of the National Galleries in both East and West Berlin, highlighting the artistic divisions that existed prior to the reunification of Germany in 1990.
A significant portion of the artwork is derived from East German artists, who were adept at incorporating elements of surrealism as a form of dissociation from the grim realities of their surroundings. The exhibition's curator, Kyllikki Zacharias, has meticulously arranged the pieces not chronologically but thematically, allowing visitors to draw connections between the diverse works.
Notable works include those by Mac Zimmermann, a key figure in the realm of fantastic realism, whose figures stretch and contort in ways that defy the conventional. In contrast, East German artists maintained a more grounded approach, often referencing the harsh realism of their environment while subtly infusing surreal elements into their compositions. For instance, Clemens Gröszer's work presents a figure balancing a glass orb on one finger while proudly donning a shopping bag on their head, symbolizing the interplay between mundanity and the extraordinary.
The exhibition also features Gudrun Brüne's 'Modellpuppe,' a piece that blurs the lines between human and puppet, reflecting on themes of identity and self-perception. The display encourages viewers to consider the role of women in surrealism, as evidenced by powerful portraits by artists like Volker Stelzmann and Wolfgang Peuker. These portraits depict women in a manner that asserts their strength and individuality, often isolating them from the surrounding context.
One of the unique aspects of the 'Strange!' exhibition is that it draws entirely from the collection's own holdings, eschewing loans from other institutions. This approach not only showcases the depth of the collection but also fosters creativity within the constraints of a limited budget. The exhibition space, previously used for an earlier display, has been cleverly repurposed, adorned in vibrant pink to breathe new life into the setting.
In a dedicated section, visitors can explore the work of Wolfgang Kunde, a student of Mac Zimmermann, whose pieces resonate with the surrealist ethos while incorporating influences from pioneers like Wols and Max Ernst. Kunde's art often features whimsical figures emerging from complex backgrounds, inviting viewers into an imaginative world.
The 'Strange!' exhibition runs until November 16 at the Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection, located at Schlossstr. 70 in Berlin. It offers a compelling exploration of the surrealist movement's evolution and its enduring impact, particularly within the context of divided Germany.