Aufbrüche. Abbrüche. Umbrüche.

One theme, two collections, three exhibition venues – these few words describe the exhibition project of the Stiftung Kunstforum Berliner Volksbank and the Stadtmuseum Berlin.

Both institutions have chosen to focus not only on art from the decade between 1985 and 1995, but also on two important art collections in Berlin. With examples from both extensive art collections, Kunstsammlung der Berliner Volksbank and Stadtmuseum Berlin, a retrospective is offered on the lively and diverse art scene in East Berlin, both before and after the Wall fell. The project takes a closer look at more than 50 artists.

The exhibitions show a cross-section of artistic positions and developments that move between figuration, abstraction, and action. Pointed descriptions of situations, allegorical depictions or a desire for provocation are only a few of the manifold artistic approaches to the political and social conditions from 1985 onwards. Many artistic works bear testimony to an era of awakenings, demolition, and upheaval, while others stand for the continuity of artistic work in times of change.

On display are paintings, sculptures, graphic works, and photographs from the two collections - some of which will be exhibited for the first time. The extensive catalogue documents the biographies of the artists and the changing conditions under which art was created and collected. In interviews conducted especially for the project, which can be seen in the exhibitions and online, artists Manfred Butzmann, Sabine Herrmann, Uta Hünniger, Klaus Killisch, Sabine Peuckert, Maria Sewcz and Berndt Wilde talk about their experiences against the background of the rapid changes in economic and political conditions.

Exhibition Venues: St. Nicholas’ Church Museum and Museum Ephraim-Palais

The realization of the exhibition of the Stadtmuseum Berlin is made possible by means of the Capital Cultural Fund.