Albert Oehlen's Dual Role as Artist and Collector at MASI Lugano
Albert Oehlen, born in Krefeld in 1954, is known for his unconventional approach to painting, steering clear of strict definitions. His latest exhibition at MASI Lugano, titled "grandi quadri miei con piccoli quadri di altri" ("my big paintings with small paintings by others"), showcases his work alongside pieces from his personal collection. This setup playfully disrupts traditional norms, featuring his large canvases next to works by renowned artists like Mike Kelley, Richard Phillips, and others. Oehlen, who arranged the exhibit himself, focuses on themes like hyperrealism and Surrealism rather than fame or market trends. His collection, spanning from the 1990s to 2020, includes his artwork "Space is the Place" (2020), reflecting his instinctive and dynamic approach to art.
Key facts
- Albert Oehlen was born in Krefeld in 1954.
- The exhibition is titled 'grandi quadri miei con piccoli quadri di altri'.
- The show is held at MASI Lugano in Switzerland.
- Oehlen's collection includes works by Mike Kelley, Richard Phillips, Daniel Richter, Paul McCarthy, Rebecca Warren, Gino De Dominicis, Richard Artschwager, Duane Hanson, and Julian Schnabel.
- Oehlen curated the exhibition himself.
- He states he does not consider fame or market value when collecting.
- Themes in the collection include hyperrealism and parallel paths to Surrealism.
- Oehlen's painting 'Space is the Place' from 2020 is included.
Entities
Artists
- Albert Oehlen
- Mike Kelley
- Richard Phillips
- Daniel Richter
- Paul McCarthy
- Rebecca Warren
- Gino De Dominicis
- Richard Artschwager
- Duane Hanson
- Julian Schnabel
- Arianna Testino
- Martin Kippenberger
- Gerhard Richter
- Michela Eichwald
- Markus Oehlen
- Hans Josephson
- Richard Lindner
- Birgit Megerle
- Karl Wirsum
- Hans Bellmer
- Stefano Castelli
Institutions
- MASI Lugano
- Artribune
- Grandi Mostre
Locations
- Krefeld
- Germany
- Lugano
- Switzerland