Art from 1950

Description

Thanks to a donation from the Swiss National Insurance Company, four works by abstract expressionist artists were acquired for the collection in one go during the 1950s. This purchase of contemporary American artists placed the Kunstmuseum Basel at the forefront of progressive art museums of that time. The presentation in the new building uses the legendary acquisition of 1959 as a starting point to showcase highlights of our collection from the second half of the 20th century. Iconic works such as those by abstract expressionists or minimal art are contextualized by less frequently shown works and new acquisitions. Arranged more or less chronologically, we present works by artists with similar interests in materials, artistic approaches, or themes across eight rooms. In room 7, a group of artists is currently exhibited who find various approaches to social and political issues in their work. They are particularly interested in making visible historical and contemporary power relations. Works by Sherrie Levine, Vito Acconci, Theaster Gates, and Sam Gilliam focus on social inequalities in the U.S. The works of On Kawara and Alighiero Boetti expand the range of themes with a global and Eurocentric perspective. Curator: Maja Wismer

Highlights

• Features works by abstract expressionists and minimal artists
• Showcases the legendary 1959 acquisition
• Curated by Maja Wismer

General Information

The exhibition 'Art from 1950' at Kunstmuseum Basel highlights the museum's modern collection and its focus on contemporary art. It presents iconic works alongside less frequently shown pieces, arranged chronologically across eight rooms, addressing social and political themes.

Location

St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland

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