Timelessly modern – artworks and art objects from circa 1960 onwards
With this exhibition, Hans-Georg Böcher aims to demonstrate the close association between the German Packaging Museum and Gerhard Schubert GmbH, one of its co-founders – highlighting the impact of social and technological developments on the new emerging understanding of art and design in the 1960s and 1970s. The idea for the exhibition came about rather by chance. Ralf Schubert, Managing Partner, explains: “Some time ago, Hans-Georg Böcher attended a meeting at Schubert, which took place in one of our meeting rooms in the new office building. He was so impressed with the space that he spontaneously came up with the idea to organise an exhibition of artworks and design furnishings from the 1960s – the decade in which my father founded his company. We were very pleased to take him up on his suggestion. We are also delighted that our visitor area in the new building, where we prioritised modern architecture and appealing design as in the entire new building, was so well received by an expert with a keen appreciation of art. The exhibition also gives us an opportunity to create further added value for our employees.” The exhibition was deliberately scheduled to complement the ‘Crailsheim Culture Weekend’.
Works by 12 pop art and abstract modernist painters are on display at the exhibition.
“Timelessly modern – a return to the dawn of modernity as of 1960”
Between the Beatles who revolutionised the music world, the first man to walk on the moon and James Bond who captivated audiences on the big screen, the years from 1960 onwards were a time of new beginnings. In art, it was the decade that witnessed the breakthrough of abstract painting. For artists who had suffered under the oppressive art policies of the Nazis, the war and the years of deprivation that followed, new and very exciting opportunities opened up from 1960 onwards.
At the same time, the American pop and music culture had a significant influence on everyday objects – shaping the way goods and packaging were used. Self-service retail, which was common in the USA, was becoming increasingly popular in 1963 and the first department stores emerged. As a result, packaging had to be designed with advertising in mind and fulfil entirely new requirements. As sales figures increased, manufacturers were faced with new challenges with their packaging and filling processes. This gap was filled by the young visionary Gerhard Schubert (1938-2023), who developed and launched his first fully automatic erecting machine for packaging gingerbread in 1966. The new era was the perfect time for his innovative ideas to be introduced.
Paintings and design objects by 12 artists at the Schubert headquarters in Crailsheim
Hans-Georg Böcher’s exhibition in the new Schubert office complex brings the exciting and progressive 1960s back to life with paintings and design objects by twelve artists. The painters, six women and six men, academically trained painters who consciously turned to abstract modernism, were all contemporary witnesses of the Second World War. In recent years, their progressive paintings have lost none of their radical modernity. On display are works by Jochen Seidel (1924-1971), Elisabeth Engelbach (*1937), Robert Schuppner (1896-1966), Muguette Bastide (*1926), Fritz Harnest (1905-1999) and Maria Hassenpflug (1915-2010), Anja Decker (1908-1995), Ilse Kresges (1910-2002), Rigmor Holter (1906-2004), René Albert Proner (1914-2001), Max Weidenbach (1915-2001), Walther Wohlschlegel (1907-1999) and an anonymous artist from the era. In addition to the artists’ works, selected authentic design objects from the period are also on display. For example, the Italian ‘Éclipse’ table lamp, a representation of the lunar eclipse created between 1960 and 1970, a bar trolley on wheels with white lacquered perforated sheet metal by French star designer Mathieu Matégot, as well as a hexagonal console table made of chrome rods and smoked glass, with a stool on wheels from Italy circa 1970.
In addition to the artists’ works, selected authentic design objects from the period are also on display. This is a trolley on wheels with perforated sheet metal painted white by French star designer Mathieu Matégot.
Opening hours for the public
After the vernissage on 19 July 2024, which will be attended exclusively by invited guests, the exhibition will be open to the public as of Saturday 20 July. The opening hours are:
Saturday, 20 July 2024: 14:00 – 17:00
Sunday, 21 July 2024: 10:00 – 16:00
Monday, 22 July – Friday, 26 July 2024: 17:00 – 20:00
Saturday, 27 July and Sunday, 28 July 2024: 14:00 – 17:00.
Ralf Schubert concludes: “The exhibition at our premises will feature unique, carefully selected works by renowned artists. An exceptional opportunity for all art lovers and 60s fans. This is why we are delighted to open the exhibition to the public. And we look forward to welcoming everyone!”
