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100 Takes of Hanshan and Shide presents artist Yokoo Tadanori’s series of 102 paintings, reinterpreting figures from China’s Tang dynasty. Hanshan and Shide, eccentric poets believed to be bodhisattvas, have inspired artists for centuries with their enduring mystery. Yokoo found them an ideal image, projecting them onto diverse scenes like ukiyo-e-style women and marathon runners, a quest begun with his interpretation of Soga Shohaku. This exhibition reveals Yokoo’s sustained creative power after forty years, connecting ancient legends with contemporary art. Visitors will reflect on the timeless interplay between myth and artistic vision, appreciating how one artist continually reshapes enduring narratives.Sergiy Bratkov (b. 1960) is renowned for his radically unsettling and striking photographs that, beneath their vivid surface, present an unflinching report on societal conditions. Like other members of the “Kharkiv School of Photography,” his work over the past 30 years has focused on social photography. In spring 2022, the Ukrainian artist, who had been living in Moscow since 2004, emigrated to Berlin. His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.
In this exhibition, Bratkov presents new cycles of images and videos created since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The once ironic observer has transformed into a reflective analyst, confronting the horrors of war in his former homeland. His new works grapple with this trauma while resisting the pull of hopelessness.Eloquent Simplicity in Wood and Fiber is an exhibition exploring the versatility of natural materials, presenting sculptural forms and functional objects that blend traditional expression with contemporary design. The display defines the distinct aesthetic sensibilities of the Cordillera Mountain groups, including the Ifugao and Kalinga, who have long used wood and fiber to create objects for both utilitarian and ritual purposes. Juxtaposed against these traditional items, the exhibition features contemporary works by notable voices like National Artist Napoleon Abueva and designer Claude Tayag, who utilize Philippine hardwoods such as narra and molave. Addressing the modern scarcity of natural resources, the project highlights how artists continue to create meaningful, practical objects. This presentation encourages visitors to appreciate the enduring beauty, tactile quality, and profound functionality inherent in the world’s simplest materials.Can anger and rage be justified in a world riddled with oppression and inequality? Are these emotions destructive forces or vital catalysts for social change? As democracy faces crises and populism gains ground globally, these questions have sparked renewed debate. Contemporary artists have responded, using their work to navigate and challenge the pressing issues of our time.
The exhibition ‘Time for Outrage!’ in Düsseldorf explores these questions through six thematic blocks: Right-wing Shift, Trumpism, Protest, Postcolonialism, Feminism, and Discrimination. Across a diverse range of mediums — including installations, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, and video art — 40 international artists immerse viewers in the visceral realms of protest, social dissent, and public anger. The exhibition doesn’t just present anger as a raw emotion; it portrays it as a vehicle for dialogue, resistance, and empowerment in the face of systemic injustice.
A substantial portion of the works on display come from the collection of entrepreneur and collector Florian Peters-Messer, whose commitment to socially engaged art amplifies the urgent messages these pieces convey.The exhibition Augury of Cosmos showcases the innovative works of contemporary artists, who masterfully blend traditional techniques with modern themes to explore the complexities of human experience. Through a diverse array of mediums, including painting and installation, viewers engage with the interplay of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Thought-provoking pieces challenge conventional narratives, encouraging a dialogue between the past and present. This exhibition not only highlights unique artistic vision but also serves as a reflection on the broader cultural landscape, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art.
