Special exhibition from June 15, till August 4, 2019

Opening June 14, 2019 | 19 pm

Contemporary Art at the Kollwitz-Museum.

Although the Verein der Berliner Künstlerinnen 1867 (the Professional Association of Berlin Female Artists or VdBK) is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Berlin, it has no fixed exhibition space or place of business in the capital. Now for the first time the association has been invited to exhibit at the Käthe-Kollwitz-Museum. The cooperation with the museum is particularly fitting, as Käthe Kollwitz was one of the most important and well-known members of the association. The work of the association and the life and work of Käthe Kollwitz are intimately connected, and not only because the VdBK was founded in the same year that the artist was born.

The VdBK has been campaigning for the recognition of women as professional artists for more than 150 years. Through its work it has been an active part of the Berlin art world since the mid-19th century. Its activities include opening an art school, organizing acclaimed exhibitions as well as glittering costume parties, awarding scholarships and setting up competitions.

The Association made it possible for Käthe Kollwitz to receive professional training in its Drawing and Painting School, which was founded in 1868 at a time when women were not allowed to study at the state art academies. Kollwitz, in turn, returned to her alma mater in 1898 and headed the graphics class for five years. She exhibited regularly with the Association and fought as a member for more than four decades for the achievement of its goals.

Today, the VdBK brings together artists from all over the world with different backgrounds, career paths and artistic styles, who live and work in Berlin. Their work has a remarkable aesthetic, thematic and media diversity. The works yield a fascinating and complex kaleidoscope of artistic tendencies and reflect developments in Berlin’s art scene.

For the exhibition, paper works and sculptures in the broadest sense have been selected by 12 of the 46 artists currently in the Association. In consideration of the achievement of the graphic artist and sculptor Kollwitz the materials range from ceramics to gold leaf, from graphite to pigments, and the techniques range from drawing and lithography to paper cutting to collage and assemblage. Some thirty works give an impression of the different ways of creating and themes of the artists. More than 30 works are on display.

Exhibition artists: Paula Anke | Tania Bedriñana | Bettina Cohnen | Valérie Favre | Hanna Hennenkemper | Sabine Herrmann | Friederike Jokisch | Irmgard Merkens | sibylle von preussen | Susanne Schirdewahn | Ulrike Seyboth | Lucy Teasdale

Accompanying Programme

EXHIBITION OPENING

Friday, June 14, 2019 | 19 pm

Dr. Josephine Gabler, Director of the Käthe-Kollwitz-Museum Berlin | Sabine Herrmann, artist and member of the VdBK 1867 | Dr. Anna Havemann, curator of the exhibition

FAMILY WORKSHOP

Saturday, June 15, 2019 | 12 till 14 pm

Contemporary Art meets Käthe Kollwitz

Creative programme for Families related to the exhibition 12 out of 49

Up to 18 years the entrance is free | material inclusive

ART TALK AND EXHIBITION TOUR

Thunday, June 27, 2019 | 19 am

Moderation Dr. Anna Havemann | Participating artists Tania Bedriñana, Bettina Cohnen, Sabine Herrmann, Irmgard Merkens, Susanne Schirdewahn, Ulrike Seyboth and Lucy Reasdale

FINISSAGE WITH LECTURE

Sunday, August 4, 2019 | 16 am

Der VdBK 1867 und seine 150-jährige Geschichte
Ute Gräfin von Hardenberg, 1st Chairwoman VdBK 1867