ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Rebecca Horn's Metamorphic Theatre at Centre Pompidou-Metz

exhibition · 2026-04-20

The Centre Pompidou-Metz is showcasing 'Rebecca Horn. Théâtre des métamorphoses,' an extensive display of the German artist's creations, curated by Emma Lavigne and Alexandra Müller, until January 13, 2020. This exhibition highlights Horn's inspirations, which encompass mythology, literature, and avant-garde figures such as Antonin Artaud and Salvador Dalí. Her exploration of bodily transformation is rooted in her seven-month stay at a sanatorium due to lung illness. The exhibit includes early sketches, prosthetic pieces, hybrid forms, and bird motifs, with objects coming to life in various manners, culminating in 'Concert pour l'anarchie' (1990). Additionally, Horn's fascination with alchemy is evident in works like 'Hydra Piano' (1995) and 'Buisson ardent' (2001). Concurrently, 'Fantasmagories corporelles' is on display at Museum Tinguely in Basel.

Key facts

  • Exhibition at Centre Pompidou-Metz runs until January 13, 2020
  • Curated by Emma Lavigne and Alexandra Müller
  • Covers five decades of Rebecca Horn's work
  • Horn was born in 1944
  • Horn spent seven months in a sanatorium for lung disease from polyester and fiberglass dust
  • Exhibition includes works from 1970 to 2009
  • Parallel exhibition 'Fantasmagories corporelles' at Museum Tinguely in Basel
  • Features over 20 named avant-garde artists as influences

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Metz
  • France
  • Basel
  • Switzerland
  • Michelstadt
  • Germany

Sources