STUTTGART.- In a remarkable acquisition, the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart has secured a unique collection of over 200 original photographs by key figures of the New Vision, New Objectivity, and Bauhaus movements. This collection, sourced from the private archive of Munich film producer Dietmar Siegert, ranks among the most extensive and significant private photo collections in Germany. Now, for the first time, the Staatsgalerie is presenting a curated selection of around 150 of these works in THE GÄLLERY – Raum für Fotografie.

A Glimpse into the Photographic Avant-Garde

The 1920s and 30s were a period of groundbreaking innovation in both art and technology. In the aftermath of World War I, many photographers sought new ways to capture the spirit of modernity. They experimented with techniques like double and multiple exposures, as well as photograms, collages, and montages, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography.

The recent acquisition of these 200 original prints represents an invaluable addition to the Staatsgalerie's collection. This body of work not only includes pieces from key figures of the era but also later works that draw upon and further develop the visual aesthetics of the 1920s. This collection, rooted in Siegert's extensive archive, now enriches the artistic narrative of the museum.

Showcasing Iconic Artists and Expanding Historical Contexts

The exhibition features works by notable artists such as Herbert Bayer, Aenne Biermann, Hugo Erfurth, Lotte Jacobi, Germaine Krull, László Moholy-Nagy, Walter Peterhans, Albert Renger-Patzsch, and August Sander. These pieces are intricately connected through both formal and thematic relationships, offering visitors a cohesive insight into the visual language of the era.

The works not only interact with one another but also create numerous connections within the broader context of the Staatsgalerie's collection. Notably, they link to the works of artists like Oskar Schlemmer and Willi Baumeister. The acquisition also builds upon the museum's purchase of the Rolf Mayer Collection in 1989, which marked the beginning of its focus on photography. Together, these collections form a unique archive of classical modernist photography, cementing the museum's role in preserving the legacy of the medium.

Celebrating Stuttgart’s Photographic Heritage

Stuttgart holds a special place in the history of photography, as the city hosted the influential International Exhibition of the German Werkbund Film und Foto—commonly known as "FiFo"—in 1929. This event was one of the 20th century's most significant photographic exhibitions, setting the stage for the artistic explorations that would follow.

By acquiring the Siegert collection, the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart reinforces the city’s historical importance as a center for photography. The museum's new exhibition, titled Neues Sehen, Neue Sachlichkeit und Bauhaus – Fotografische Neuerwerbungen aus der Sammlung Siegert (New Vision, New Objectivity, and Bauhaus – Photographic Acquisitions from the Siegert Collection), pays homage to this legacy.

A Diverse Exploration of the Art Form

The exhibition is organized into thematic chapters that explore architectural, landscape, portrait, nude, and object photography. It emphasizes the artistic diversity of photography during the period and illustrates how the New Vision movement's unconventional perspectives and distortions have profoundly influenced the way we perceive the world.

Through this carefully curated selection, the Staatsgalerie aims to demonstrate the enduring impact of the New Vision approach, which continues to inspire contemporary photographers. The exhibition invites viewers to delve into the radical changes of the early 20th century and to appreciate the bold artistic experiments that redefined the medium.