State of Exhibition in Kassel: Experience art and research through exhibiting
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State of Exhibition: When exhibiting itself becomes an artwork
What happens when not only artworks but also their presentation becomes the subject of an exhibition? The exhibition State of Exhibition in the exhibition hall of the Kunsthochschule Kassel examines exhibiting as a process, artistic practice, and research subject.
An exhibition about the conditions of showing
At its center are new works by students from various disciplines of the visual arts program. They were developed specifically to engage with the theme of exhibiting and make visible how space, selection, context, and curatorial decisions shape the perception of art.
The presentation is understood as an active contribution to the growing field of exhibition studies in Kassel. Since the founding of the documenta Institute, the exploration of exhibition history, curatorial practice, and institutional frameworks has a special significance for the art city.
Marcel Duchamp, Helke Bayrle, and new artistic positions
Historical positions expand the student works. On display is Marcel Duchamp's legendary Boîte-en-valise, a mobile museum within a museum, which radicalizes questions of originality, reproduction, collection, and authorship. Selected videos from Helke Bayrle's series Portikus under construction focus the attention on institutional spaces, their emergence, and their ongoing transformation.
Involved are Helke Bayrle, Linda Deuse, Marcel Duchamp, Nele Karnebogen, Nikolaj Lölke, Mani Lotfi, Paul Mayer, Marlon Meng, and Pia Sispela. The project was developed by Martin Schmidl and Defne Kizilöz.
Curatorial research as an aesthetic experience
An interview with Felix Vogel serves as an important conceptual starting point. The focus is not on a definitive definition of the exhibition, but on the act of exhibiting itself. A historical timeline documenting significant exhibitions and collections complements the artistic works. Further visual comments open up space for a critical examination of the works.
The exhibition atmosphere arises from the interplay of painting, installation, video, objects, and documentary forms. Visitors experience how perspectives, materials, light, and spatial arrangements connect to a curated dramaturgy. The art experience thereby directly leads into central questions of contemporary art and cultural education.
Opening and exhibition period
The opening takes place on October 21, 2026, at 6 PM. Martin Schmidl and Defne Kizilöz will speak. The exhibition is open from October 22 to November 22, 2026. Regular opening hours are Thursday to Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM.
Conclusion: Seeing exhibiting in a new light
State of Exhibition promises a concentrated aesthetic experience for all who wish to understand not only art but also its forms of presentation. The combination of student research, art historical references, and curatorial self-reflection makes the exhibition a relevant contribution to Kassel's art and exhibition culture. A visit is particularly worthwhile for art enthusiasts, students, and all who want to experience the mechanisms of showing directly.
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- Website: https://kunsthochschulekassel.de/
