This exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Appenzell illustrates the commitment of avant-garde artists' groups to non-objective art. It features portfolio works that were created as joint artistic and publishing productions during or in the years before the Second World War – at a time when the artistic vanguard was increasingly marginalised. Activities included the production of print series, the publication of books and magazines and participation in exhibitions. Paintings, sculptures and reliefs by Arp, Taeuber-Arp and Bill, some of which were included in important historical exhibitions, are included in the exhibition. Letters complement the presentation and shed light on the interaction between the three protagonists. Most of the works originate from the Fondazione Marguerite Arp and the collection of Chantal and Jakob Bill, as well as from institutional and private collections.
Of outstanding significance is the presentation of the magazine Plastique / Plastic, which was dedicated to non-figurative art. Five issues were published between 1935 and 1939, largely characterised by Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Like the artists' associations, the magazine facilitated networking between artists and the transatlantic exchange of the constructive avant-garde at a time when countless artists had already turned their backs on Europe. Issue number six could not be realised due to the early death of the artist. The designs, which were developed by Taeuber-Arp together with Max Bill, are being shown for the first time in an exhibition. Issue no. 6 is also a focal point of the publication produced to accompany the exhibition.
Curated by Dr Simona Martinoli (Director Fondazione Marguerite Arp) and Stefanie Gschwend (Director Kunstmuseum / Kunsthalle Appenzell).
