BERLIN.- In a notable celebration of artistic heritage, the Kunstbibliothek and the Neue Nationalgalerie – part of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin – in collaboration with the ADA Archive of Avant-Gardes – Egidio Marzona, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, is hosting a special exhibition titled The Very First Edition. This exhibition, coinciding with the 80th birthday of collector Egidio Marzona, showcases 80 pioneering books by artists from the 1960s and 1970s, offering a unique glimpse into a transformative period in art history.

A Collector's Passion

Egidio Marzona began his journey as a collector and publisher in the early 1960s, focusing on conceptual art ideas of the time. His vision was to create an encyclopedic collection representing all artistic media within Conceptual Art, Minimal Art, Land Art, and Arte Povera. Marzona’s impressive collection comprises over 600 artworks from the 1960s and 1970s and an extensive archive containing thousands of letters, books, posters, invitations, and photographs. In 2002, his collection was acquired by the Staatliche Museen, with the archive gifted to the Kunstbibliothek. Following the donation of loans in 2014, the collection is now displayed in the Kupferstichkabinett, Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, and the Kunstbibliothek.

Artists' Books: A Paradigm Shift

The exhibition features these groundbreaking artists' books, which Marzona has meticulously sought over many years. Despite their seemingly modest appearance, these books symbolize a major paradigm shift in the art world, providing alternative spaces for artistic expression. Notably, the exhibition includes the legendary book object by American conceptual artist Mel Bochner, which will be displayed for the first time since its original presentation in New York in 1966.

Expansion of the Collection

Following the permanent relocation of his collection to Berlin, Marzona embarked on an even more ambitious project: to compile an extensive archive of the various avant-gardes of the 20th century. This vast archive was gifted to the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden in 2016 and has been recently inaugurated in new spaces at the Dresden Blockhaus.

The Exhibition Experience

Alongside the artists' books, visitors can explore additional works from the Marzona collection, including neon signs, postcards, drawings, and photographs that reflect avant-garde projects and concepts from the 1960s. The exhibition underscores the book's enduring role as a continually reimagined art object, deeply embedded in a rich history spanning 5,000 years.

Upcoming Events

Following the exhibition opening, a matinee will take place on October 27, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This event will feature a selection of works presented by the Kupferstichkabinett and the Kunstbibliothek, along with discussions led by Marzona himself, delving into the diverse stories behind these artworks.

Educational Programming

The exhibition will also offer an extensive program of guided tours and workshops, encouraging dialogue and exploration of the featured books. A 45-minute film, The Very First Edition: Egidio Marzona Discusses Artists' Books, will accompany the exhibition. Additionally, WIR SIND AVANTGARDE!, an oral history project by the ADA Archive of Avant-Gardes, along with a digital tool developed by Heine/Lenz/Zizka Projects, will allow visitors to engage with the contents of selected displayed books.

Curatorial Team

The exhibition is curated by Monika Branicka and Michael Lailach from the Kunstbibliothek, with curatorial assistance from Ricarda Bergmann of the Neue Nationalgalerie.

For art enthusiasts and historians alike, The Very First Edition promises a captivating exploration of the intersection of art and literature, celebrating the pioneering spirit of artists who shaped the cultural landscape of the 20th century.