Romanticism

The exhibition project “Romanticism” by the Kunsthalle Osnabrück sheds light on the parallels between historical and contemporary Romanticism and investigates the return of romantic imagery and language as a symptom of current turmoil in society. The project also makes references to dark romanticism, which the right-wing scene has appropriated and misused for its own political purposes.

The Kunsthalle Osnabrück has invited six international artists to defend liberal society by creating a pseudo-romantic counter-narrative. For example, the British artist duo Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings will portray queer bars in paintings and videos as cosy, romantic, community-building gathering places. The comics illustrator Anna Haifisch will present her first-ever installation based on her character “The Artist” which explores the contemporary art scene in reference to post-romantic songs and texts. A new installation by artist Henrike Naumann will interpret German history as a romanticised portrayal of the patriarchy.

The pedagogical team at the Kunsthalle Osnabrück plan to accompany the exhibition with a romantic compilation of Osnabrück’s queer history and stories. Other plans include a research brochure for visitors, a digital conference and an accompanying introductory seminar at the University of Osnabrück. The organisers will also collaborate on a pilot project with other partners, including Burg Hülshoff – Center for Literature, to produce a digital glossary of contemporary art terms in simple language.

Artistic directors: Anne Jehle, Juliane Schickedanz
Curators: Manila Bartnik, Anna Jehle, Anja Lückenkemper, Juliane Schickedanz, Christel Schulte
Artists: Anna Haifisch, Rosie Hastings/Hannah Quinlan, Gabriella Hirst, Irène Mélix, Henrike Naumann, Cemile Sahin, the Forum for Democratic Culture and Contemporary Art and others

Exhibition and education programme, Romantik Osnabrück: Kunsthalle Osnabrück, Osnabrück: 25 Jun. 2022 –19 Feb. 2023