Experience the delicate linear structures and biomorphic forms of French-German artist Wols at Kunstmuseum Basel. This exhibition presents fifteen rare drypoint prints alongside early drawings from the museum's collection. Explore how these small-format postwar works navigated the intersections of surrealism and nonrepresentational abstraction.
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This exhibition presents fifteen rare drypoint prints by the French-German artist Wols, alongside early drawings from the Kunstmuseum Basel collection. It explores the artist's unique creative universe and his seminal influence on the Informel movement through works that blur the lines between surrealism and abstraction.
Featuring fifteen drypoint prints acquired by the Kunstmuseum Basel in 2023, this exhibition offers a intimate look at the work of Wols (1913–1951). Created in the immediate aftermath of World War II, many of these small-format works served as book illustrations for authors such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Jean Paulhan. The exhibition also highlights early drawings, providing a comprehensive view of an artist who masterfully navigated the intersection of surrealism and nonrepresentational abstraction. Known for his refusal to title his own work, Wols maintained that his art should remain free from forced analysis, inviting viewers to engage in personal interpretation. The exhibition underscores his belief that even the smallest fragment of paper could hold a world of meaning. Through delicate linear structures and biomorphic forms, the display demonstrates Wols's significant contribution to the abstract art of the postwar period.
The exhibition is located in the graphic cabinets of the Hauptbau at the Kunstmuseum Basel. Visitors are encouraged to check the official museum website for admission and planning details regarding museum entry and exhibition access.
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