The Kunsthalle Mannheim is dedicating the largest special exhibition in Germany in more than fifteen years to Nouveau Réalisme and its associated movements. For the first time, this project traces a comprehensive, multipolar, and global map of the movement—centered in Paris—whose international reach extends beyond the group initiated and supported by Pierre Restany in the 1960s.
From the postwar period through the early 1970s, many artists in Europe, Latin America, and the United States explored the potential of found objects as artistic material. Through their direct engagement with reality, they developed new, often radical forms of expression. Their themes ranged from questions of the body and identity to a critical examination of industrial society and environmental destruction.
Drawing on outstanding works from the Kunsthalle’s collection—including major works by Arman, César, Yves Klein, Mimmo Rotella, Daniel Spoerri, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Jacques de la Villeglé—the exhibition traces the artistic developments of Nouveau Réalisme through the early 1970s. In addition, the exhibition features works by artists such as Alina Szapocznikow and others who were exploring similar themes at the same time and made significant contributions to defining these new artistic languages.
Curator: Luisa Heese
Curatorial Assistant: Dr. Stefano Agrest
From the postwar period through the early 1970s, many artists in Europe, Latin America, and the United States explored the potential of found objects as artistic material. Through their direct engagement with reality, they developed new, often radical forms of expression. Their themes ranged from questions of the body and identity to a critical examination of industrial society and environmental destruction.
Drawing on outstanding works from the Kunsthalle’s collection—including major works by Arman, César, Yves Klein, Mimmo Rotella, Daniel Spoerri, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Jacques de la Villeglé—the exhibition traces the artistic developments of Nouveau Réalisme through the early 1970s. In addition, the exhibition features works by artists such as Alina Szapocznikow and others who were exploring similar themes at the same time and made significant contributions to defining these new artistic languages.
Curator: Luisa Heese
Curatorial Assistant: Dr. Stefano Agrest
This text was translated by an AI.
