translated and summarized by: Liz Wollner-Grandville,
171108: Kunsthalle und Kunstverein Düsseldorf: Reiner Ruthenbeck
Kunsthalle und Kunstverein Düsseldorf: Reiner Ruthenbeck
Kinetic concept
Reiner Ruthenbeck’s works are currently shown in an unpretentious retrospective at the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf. As one of Josef Beuy’s first students he avoids any distastefulness in his objects and installations, and whoever thinks he might blunder, errs. However, by comparing the 14 folding tablets (1977) with Beuy’s Palazzo Regale (1985) a certain closeness to Beuys becomes apparent in a congenial way. The spatial balancing out of objects in both installations, and the concept of proportions form an imaginary “packing-the-suitcase-contest” between Beuys and Ruthenbeck and turn it into a game; a game, which would easily be won by both – something only possible in art.
The arrangement of the objects in the Kunsthalle cinema hall, characterized by its red upholstery, evokes an engaging aura of elegance. It is worth strolling from one work to the other following a given path. All of the works are positioned in such a way that the room sets off a kind of Dolby-Surround-Effect.
A cordon impedes the entrance to the gallery hall and thereby the scenery, which focuses on the appearance of tables with a sense of balance (Table with rubber rope 1983, Table on steel rods, 1983/84, Table on yellow orb 1984) reminds more of a peep box. The concept of a cinema with moving viewers tallies. Whoever thought that cinema does not take place in one’s head, can protest in the Austrian tabloid “Kronenzeitung”. Everyone else should travel to Düsseldorf and Duisburg, where Ruthenbeck’s earlier works are shown, or at least take a closer look at the catalogue, which is due to be published around the middle of November.
Kunsthalle und Kunstverein Düsseldorf
40213 Düsseldorf, Grabbeplatz 4, until 11.01.09
www.kunsthalle-duesseldorf.de
Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum
47049 Duisburg, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Strasse 40, until 11.01.09
www.lehmbruckmuseum.de
171108
Kunsthalle Düsseldorf
40213 Düsseldorf, Grabbeplatz 4
Tel: +49-211-8996243, Fax: +49-211-8929168
Email: mail@kunsthalle-duesseldorf.de
http://www.kunsthalle-duesseldorf.de
Öffnungszeiten: Di-Sa 12-19, So 11-18 h
Stiftung Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum (alter Eintrag)
47049 Duisburg, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße 40
Tel: +49 (0) 203 283 26 30 / 32 94, Fax: +49 (0) 203 283 38 92
Email: info@lehmbruckmuseum.de
http://www.lehmbruckmuseum.de/
Öffnungszeiten: Di - Sa 11.00 - 17.00, So 10.00 - 18.00
Kunsthalle Düsseldorf
40213 Düsseldorf, Grabbeplatz 4
Tel: +49-211-8996243, Fax: +49-211-8929168
Email: mail@kunsthalle-duesseldorf.de
http://www.kunsthalle-duesseldorf.de
Öffnungszeiten: Di-Sa 12-19, So 11-18 h
Stiftung Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum (alter Eintrag)
47049 Duisburg, Friedrich-Wilhelm-Straße 40
Tel: +49 (0) 203 283 26 30 / 32 94, Fax: +49 (0) 203 283 38 92
Email: info@lehmbruckmuseum.de
http://www.lehmbruckmuseum.de/
Öffnungszeiten: Di - Sa 11.00 - 17.00, So 10.00 - 18.00