Jugendstil - Made in Munich
The exhibition, was designed and staged by Bodo Sperlein on behalf of the Kunsthalle München and the Munich City Museum. The exhibition, running from October 25, 2024, to March 23, 2025, at the Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung in Munich, celebrates Munich’s pivotal role as the cradle of Art Nouveau in Germany.
Jugendstil is a German term that refers to an artistic movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, commonly known as Art Nouveau. The exhibition showcases a wide array of artworks, including crafts, sculptures, paintings, graphics, photography, fashion, and jewelry by renowned artists. These masterpieces not only highlight Munich’s historical significance but also underscore its lasting influence on the global art and design scene.
Bodo Sperlein has designed the exhibition to offer visitors new perspectives on these unique artifacts. Through the thoughtful use of light, shadow, and architectural elements, Sperlein has created an atmosphere that enhances the essence of each work. His innovative presentation of the Art Nouveau pieces ensures that their intricate details and historical significance are fully appreciated within a contemporary setting. This design approach invites visitors to immerse themselves in the complex beauty and thematic depth of Art Nouveau like never before.
Throughout the exhibition spaces, visitors will encounter Sperlein’s Contourline benches, strategically placed to encourage reflection and deeper engagement with the artworks. These benches are not only functional but are an integral part of the exhibition’s narrative.
A later section of the exhibition is dedicated to Sperlein’s contemporary designs. These pieces, along with the Contourline Bronze Bench, are a 21st-century homage to Art Nouveau, reflecting the organic forms and craftsmanship of the movement, reinterpreted through a modern lens.