BACKLIGHT
11. February – 09. April 2007
The Kunstmuseum Thun does not present its collection as a permanent exhibition, but has for several years been showcasing it in selected thematic temporary exhibitions. Two years ago, for instance, significant works of 20th-century Swiss art from the collection were on display, and last year, Swiss Pop provided a comprehensive overview of one of the museum’s key collection areas. Now, guest curator Roman Kurzmeyer presents a personal selection of works that includes not only highlights from the collection but also paintings, sculptures, photographs and copperplate engravings that have not been exhibited for a long time and are little known.
Gegenlicht is an artist-led exhibition. Rather than charting a high-altitude trail through art-historically renowned works, it illustrates – through the juxtaposition of works from the collection and new pieces by the three Swiss artists Adrian Schiess, Alex Silber and Erik Steinbrecher – how artworks can themselves create the conditions for their own perception. It becomes apparent, for instance, that the choice of lighting can be decisive. This central theme is explored in various directions through the combinations of works. Gegenlicht is an exhibition in which artworks from different eras and of varying significance enter into a dialogue about visibility, thereby demonstrating the act of showing as a principle of artistic practice.
