Explore the Im Obersteg Classical Modernism Exhibition at Kunstmuseum Basel

This exhibition explores how the personal relationships and friendships between Karl and Marianne Im Obersteg and various contemporary artists shaped their significant collection of classical modernism. Featuring approximately forty artworks and original correspondence, the exhibition provides an intimate look at the dialogue between the collectors and the artists of their time.

The exhibition 'Friendship, Collecting, Connoisseurship' focuses on the intersection of personal life and art patronage, highlighting the deep connections between Karl and Marianne Im Obersteg and iconic artists of the early twentieth century. By showcasing around forty selected works alongside archival letters, the presentation reveals the multifaceted nature of their relationships, ranging from creative inspiration and mutual support during times of war to the practical challenges of exhibition planning and art acquisition. Actors have been invited to voice the letters, offering visitors a unique auditory experience that brings the historical correspondence to life. The collection reflects a dedicated commitment to modernism, with close ties documented between the Im Oberstegs and figures such as Cuno Amiet, Marc Chagall, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and the dance duo Alexander and Clotilde von Derp Sacharoff. The exhibition is held at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Hauptbau and is curated by Géraldine Meyer, Greta Schweizer, and Nina Schweizer. It serves as a companion to a concurrently held exhibition at the Neubau that highlights the collector Gertrud Dübi-Müller, underscoring a broader Swiss trend where close personal relationships between collectors and artists significantly influenced the landscape of modern art collections now held in public institutions.

The exhibition is on view at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Hauptbau. Visitors are encouraged to check the official museum website for admission details and planning information prior to their visit.