Von Becher bis Blume: Fotigrafien im Dialog. Katalog Die Photographische Sammlung / SK Stiftung Kult

With their collection, Cologne-based couple Ute and Eberhard Garnatz impressively demonstrate just how inspiring and contemporary a private art collection can actually be. Over decades they have assembled a body of work that celebrates painting just as much as photography. Sculptural works also form part of the collection. The Garnatz Collection bears witness to their enthusiasm and keen sense of quality. And, amidst all this, the ­proximity to the artists has always been important to them. Rather than owning a singular work, they follow the artistic development, and in some cases remain in exchange for years. This publication ­focuses on the photographic aspect of the Garnatz Collection and juxtaposes selected posi­tions with those from the Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur. Particularly interesting in this respect is the documentary-conceptual ­direction, as represented by Bernd and Hilla ­Becher. The Cologne institution is entrusted with the Becher Archive, and the Garnatz Collection also contains distinctive photographs by the artist couple. Works related stylistically by Candida Höfer, Thomas Ruff and Thomas Struth have been included in this context and broaden the artistic discourse. In addition, Ute and Eberhard have ­collected works by experimental and cross-media artists such as Sigmar Polke. They have followed with great interest the pictorial languages that congenially combine photographic, painterly and also sculptural forms of expression. Here, too, a position from the collection of the Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur ties in the painter, draughtsman and sculptor Jim Dine has transferred his extensive photographic oeuvre to them. This publication and the exhibition of the same name give an impressive insight into how two collections of different genesis enter into a ­vibrant dialogue generating a highly expressive and resonant image.

Artists:
Bernd und Hilla Becher, Boris Becker, Anna und Bernhard Blume, Chargesheimer, Jim Dine, Frank Dömer, Gina Lee Felber, Candida Höfer, Benjamin Katz, Jürgen Klauke, Astrid Klein, Werner Mantz, Augustina von Nagel, Floris Neusüss, Sigmar Polke, Albert Renger-Patzsch, Arnulf Rainer, Hugo Schmölz, Wilhelm Schürmann, Tata Ronkholz, Thomas Ruff, Thomas Struth

Exhibition:
Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur, Cologne
26/11/2020 25/4/2021