Kunstmuseum Basel exhibition traces ghost imagery from 1777 to present across 160 artworks
The Kunstmuseum Basel is showcasing 'Ghosts: Visualizing the Supernatural,' which includes more than 160 pieces of art spanning from 1777 to today. The exhibition is organized in a chronological layout across nine rooms, starting with Benjamin West's 1777 work 'Saul and the Witch of Endor' and concluding with Rachel Whiteread's 2020 piece 'Poltergeist.' A prominent theme is the sheet-covered figure, first introduced in Katharina Fritsch's 1988 installation. Notable historical pieces include spirit photographs by William H. Mumler from the 1870s and John Henry Pepper's 'Pepper's Ghost.' The display also presents Eric Dingwall's 'Ghost Hunting Kit' alongside works by Georgiana Houghton, René Magritte, and Mike Kelley. It will be open until March 8, 2025, as reported in the January & February 2025 issue of ArtReview.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Ghosts: Visualizing the Supernatural' at Kunstmuseum Basel
- Features over 160 artworks and ghost-related artifacts across nine rooms
- Spans from 1777 to present day
- Includes works by Katharina Fritsch, Benjamin West, William H. Mumler, Rachel Whiteread
- References Victorian illusion 'Pepper's Ghost' developed by John Henry Pepper
- Exhibition runs through March 8
- Organized chronologically but explores cross-historical themes
- Examines ghosts as 'call to attention' interrupting temporal continuity
Entities
Artists
- Katharina Fritsch
- Benjamin West
- William H. Mumler
- Rachel Whiteread
- Urs Fischer
- René Magritte
- Toyen
- Mike Kelley
- Rosemarie Trockel
- Corinne May Botz
- Cornelia Parker
- Eugène Delacroix
- William Blake
- Henry Fuseli
- Georgiana Houghton
- Madge Gill
- Maria Hofman
- Hans Prinzhorn
- Mark Fisher
Institutions
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- ArtReview
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- America