Leaflet (pdf)

Artium Álava and Wilhelm Lehmbruck Museum in Duisburg try, in this exhibition, to formulate a thesis that consist in confronting two eras of art history, one in Spain and the other in Germany. These are two critical periods in the development of the history of both countries. On one hand, a devastated post-war Europe in a reconstructing process as is the case of Germany. On the other hand, post-war Spain in a moment when the dictatorship is carving its way in and becoming stronger, while trying to create a state of apparent normality regardless the social, political and cultural repression suffered in the country.
It is well known that through the analysis of art we can discover more about ourselves, as well as find certain normally invisible nuances that can unveil relationships, affinities, situations and differences that will enrich and give a broader view than those given by conventional historiography.
That post-war period was crucial in the development of both states, as well as that of Europe and the whole world. The issues we are concerned about today, started to be designed at that time. Essential events in the historical and cultural process of the XXth Century such as, the deep and novel feeling of self-destruction and the possibility of disappearing as human race without the divine intervention, the nuclear threat, the division of the world in two blocks, the idea of globalisation, the first ecological consciousness, the definition of human rights and the first trips to space, among others, are factors that have determined the way we are today.
The concept of morfic resonance shows how two parts can reach the same conclusions and results with out previous contact, being in different places and conditions, usually giving the false impression of conscious replica or copy. Nevertheless, this exhibition brings about two different realities that will unveil the true dimension of the social and creative context of these two countries. With this exhibition, we intend to emphasise this phenomena since we presume, after reviewing our own collections, that it will make many people question the learned topics and find new points of view for understanding the mysterious paths through which the processes of artistic creation walk along, regardless all the possible conditionings.