This exhibition presents thirty monumental works from the Kunstmuseum Basel collection to investigate why artists create on such an ambitious physical scale. Curated by Eva Reifert, the presentation features works by Ernst Stückelberg, Shirley Jaffe, and other artists facing the unique technical and creative demands of large formats. Learn how scale translates into profound historical expression and physical energy at the Hauptbau venue.
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This exhibition explores the physical and creative challenges associated with producing large-format artworks. Featuring thirty imposing works from the Kunstmuseum Basel’s collection, it examines the motivations—ranging from historical significance to personal physical expression—that drive artists to work on an expansive scale.
Creating a large work of art is no small feat, requiring both adequate studio space and the technical ability to handle massive materials. Up until the 19th century, simply acquiring a canvas of non-standard dimensions presented a significant hurdle for artists, yet the desire to create on a monumental scale has long persisted. Through thirty imposing works from the Kunstmuseum’s collection, the exhibition investigates the manifold motivations behind these large-format creations. From Ernst Stückelberg’s massive 1886 painting documenting the historical tragedy of the Basel earthquake to the physical, energetic strokes of Shirley Jaffe’s 1965 work, the pieces on display illustrate how physical scale is used to convey deep emotional, historical, and creative intensity.
The exhibition takes place at the Hauptbau. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's official website for general admission and ticketing information.
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