Less is More: The Daled Collection Finally Unveiled at Haus der Kunst

The Haus der Kunst in Munich presents 'Less Is More. Works, Objects, Concepts from the Collection and Archives of Herman and Nicole Daled 1966-1978', the first comprehensive exhibition of the renowned Belgian couple's conceptual art collection. Running from April 30 to July 25, 2010, the show was curated by Chris Dercon, who persuaded the Daled to display their holdings publicly. The collection, which began with the 1966 purchase of Marcel Broodthaers' 'Robe de Maria', includes approximately 70 works by Broodthaers, as well as major pieces by Dan Graham, Douglas Huebler, Lawrence Weiner, Vito Acconci, Sol LeWitt, James Lee Byars, Daniel Buren, and Niele Toroni. The Daled were key figures in the conceptual art scene, hosting artists like Broodthaers, Carl Andre, and Toroni in their Brussels apartment. The exhibition is organized thematically, with a central room dedicated to Broodthaers, and separate spaces for Buren and Toroni. The collection also includes extensive archives (books, tracts, invitations), treated as artworks themselves due to Broodthaers' influence. The Daled divorced in 1978, but the collection remained intact. Herman Daled now lives in the modernist Hôtel Wolfers by Henry Van de Velde. The exhibition catalogue, published by Buchhandlung Walter König, includes a text by Benjamin Buchloh. The show captures the creative ferment of the 1966-1978 period, highlighting the Daled's radical, non-speculative approach to collecting.