The exhibition Kunst∙Stoff presents textiles as an initiator, theme, and material of art. Historically, it begins with the weaving workshops of the Bauhaus, likely the most influential educational institution for architecture, art, and design in the 20th century. Thanks to its pioneering approach, textile works transgressed the realms of the practical for the first time. Artists began to experiment and play with fabrics in a variety of ways. The so-called Fiber Art movement finally helped entirely emancipate textile design from the applied arts in the 1960s and 70s.
Next to exploring the history of material and technology, the assembled “fabrics of art” examine textiles from feminist, intercultural, and ecological perspectives. In this way, clothing, for example, i. e. customized fabric, becomes the starting point for artistic engagement—be it as a protective cover, as a stand-in for the absent body, or as an expression of social codes. The works on display never cease to fascinate thanks to their sensual presence, thus demonstrating how particularly touching textile art is.
The exhibition features over sixty works by forty-three international artistic positions, including Magdalena Abakanowicz, Caroline Achaintre, Anni Alberts, Phyllida Barlow, Joseph Beuys, Ulla von Brandenburg, Kresiah Mukwazhi, Christiane Möbus, Robert Morris, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Sigmar Polke, Claes Oldenburg, Meret Oppenheim, Yinka Shonibare, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Lenore Tawney, and Rosemarie Trockel. The exhibition was conceived in cooperation with Kunsthalle Vogelmann / Städtische Museen Heilbronn.
Concurrently, two presentations from the collection and a show celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Painting School will be on view.
Audioguide tour (German)
Take advantage of our free Wi-Fi during your visit and listen to the free audioguide tour on your own smartphone. Access is available via QR codes on the floor plan as well as via our homepage. We recommend bringing your own headphones.
Long Art Evening
Every 1st Tuesday/month
6 p.m. Guided tour of the current exhibition (registration recommended),
7 p.m. Talk in the atrium with director Lisa Felicitas Mattheis and varying guests under the title “Auf ein Bier mit…” (“For a beer with...”).
Drinks at the Junge-Freunde-Bar. Admission from 5 p.m. on and participation in the guided tours and talks are free, courtesy of the Aloys Wobben Foundation.
Open Day and Painting School Festival “40 Years of Painting School”
October 3, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free admission to all exhibitions and the Painting School Festival, including a program with music and creative activities for people of all ages.
Details in the online calendar.