K21 STÄNDEHAUS::KUNST SAMMLUNG NORDRHEIN WESTFALEN::DÜSSELDORF

Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen is a large art collection located in Düsseldorf, Germany. The collection was founded in 1961 and features a selection of artwork focusing on the 20th and 21st centuries. The institution is divided between three locations in Düsseldorf; Schmela Haus, K20 Grabbeplatz, and K21 Ständehaus. After attending the Press Preview of the 55th Biennale di Venezia, I paid a special visit to Düsseldorf and visited a part of this collection which was a delightful surprise.  The permanent collection houses works by 280 artists.

Kunst Sammlung Nordrhein Westfalen Interior view, Preparation for Tomás Saraceno: In Orbit, Dusseldorf, Germany Photograph by Katy Hamer

Upon entering the expansive lobby of K21 Ständehaus, located in the historic district of Düsseldorf, visitors have the option of visiting the works on display from the permanent collection or venturing to the lower level to view a special, temporary exhibition. The building is large and features an ample exhibition area, spanning four floors and leaving no desire for additional space. Artworks, ranging from painting to installation and sculpture, have been installed sparingly and nothing felt as if it should have been edited down. The roster is also quite diverse and while many of the artists appear to be of German descent, a representation of cultural variance is present offering a fresh global perspective.

Each artist is given his or her own room (or the half of) and on the day of my visit, natural light streamed through tall windows illuminating the installations generously. The part of the collection on view at K21 Ständehaus,  is a treat for all art lovers especially those who have never been to Düsseldorf previously. Artists’ names familiar to many who have followed art from the 20th Century to today, such as Franz West and Thomas Hirschhorn, expand into white, rectangular rooms and other artists who may be a new, personal discovery, also add to the overall enjoyment of viewing the collection.

Below is a selection of photographs representing works currently on view to the public at K21 Ständehaus. Also on view at this location until Autumn 2013 is Tomás Saraceno: in orbit, which unfortunately opened after my visit. The photograph above left, is flooded in green as light is diffused through the tinted nets used for safety during install. A collection that commences with a work that dates 1904 and continues to expand to include art of younger artists made in 2013, Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen represents a hearty slice of art world pie, delightfully palatable rather than bittersweet.

Georg Herold, Silent Revolution, 1989 Acquired in 2004 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Reinhard Mucha, Das Deutschlandgerät. XLIV Biennale di Venezia, Venedig, Deutscher Pavillion, 1990/2002, The Germany Device Acquired in 2004 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Nina Canell, Stray Warmings, 2013, Slight Heat of the Eyelid, 2013 (both floor install) Remembrance (colourless), 2013 (wall) All courtesy of Konrad Fisher Galerie, Berlin/Dusseldorf, Mother’s Tankstation, Dublin and Galerie Wien Lukatsch, Berlin Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Nam June Paik, TV-Garden, 1974-1977/2002 Acquired in 2001 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Franz West, Room Installation, featuring The chain should be fixed to a corner of the room. The height from which the piece is suspended is up to the curator (left), 1989 & Devianz, (right), 1989 Both acquired in 2004 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph and black and white detail by Katy Hamer

Thomas Hirschhorn, Intensif-Station (detail), 2010 Acquired in 2011 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Charlotte Posenenske, Vierkantrohre Serie DW, 1967/1990 Courtesy of the Estate of Charlotte Posenenske, Burkhard Brunn, Frankfurt/Main Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Thomas Ruff, 13 f 36m/ -35°, 1992 Acquired in 2001 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Christian Boltanski, El Caso, 1988 Acquired in 2004 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

Kris Martin, Mr (left), 2007 & 1000 Years (right), 2009 Mr was acquired in 2001, 1000 Years acquired in 2010 Installation view at Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf Photograph by Katy Hamer

More soon including images from Wolfgang Tillmans also on view at K21 Ständehaus until September 8th, 2013.

xo