Every year several exhibitions are put into context by a theme. Different perspectives on a topic facilitate access and enhance understanding in experiencing art. The annual theme forms a common thread throughout the exhibition program, thereby facilitating access to contemporary art and improving understanding through the conceptual linking of individual exhibitions. A selection of diverse artistic strategies, concepts and various art media provide a fascinating overview.
The link between art and science is a complex theme that focuses at the same time on art’s concepts and formal aspects. Following themes with either a strong conceptual basis, such as Identity (2016) and Emotion (2018), or ones with a more formal orientation such as: Color (2013), Structure (2015) and Sound (2017), Art & Science continues a multi-faceted approach to the series, akin to the previously presented theme Illusion (2014).
The annual theme of Art & Science encompasses both the new formal language and media-based possibilities now open to art in its appropriating of modern technologies and reflecting on scientific working methods. In addition, themes and ideas are presented that intersect with scientific research and science-initiated thought processes. The mutual interdependence of art and science is also an essential feature of our experience of life today.
The central question is: What links art and science together and how are they different? A simple distinction between a rational, logical science and an emotionally intuitive art is not borne out by looking at history: from the nine muses of Greek mythology to the Renaissance discoveries and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, art and science have long been united. Artistic and scientific working methods were first separated during the Enlightenment only to be reunited in the twentieth century. Interdisciplinary approaches have taken hold on both sides, e.g. the application of visual modes of representation such as photography, film and holograms in scientific work or the emergence of new art genres based on technological developments as well as an expanded notion of art influenced by Josef Beuys and others.
The 2019 Art & Science exhibition year is to be subdivided into “research areas” in accordance with the thematic structure. Under the umbrella term “Research,” five exhibition blocks will examine and explore a variety of thematic aspects with artworks from various art genres. Showcased are outstanding works of visual art that are linked to scientific processes either via their theme, artistic strategy or choice of expressive means.