Von Becher bis Blume

Photographs from the Garnatz Collection

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