Complicity

21 May – 5 July 2014

Opening: 17 May 5-8 pm

A project by Susanne M. Winterling
With narrations and works by Romaine Brooks, Eileen Gray, Carson McCullers and Annemarie Schwarzenbach; with film screenings and conversations and the launch of The Correspondence Book

Complicity is an exhibition that aims to highlight the ‘other’ Modernism, where complicity is related to the notion of a community and aesthetic solidarity of cosmopolitans and sensualists, meeting and forging networked paths. Forming a basis that glows with roots longer and more distinguished than a mere reduction to Modernism.

Referring to architectural historian Beatriz Colomina, who has written extensively on how architecture and communication are entangled in creating the subject, Complicity points to the importance of networked relations. The show is a room in which to be introduced to works, letter, drawings, furniture and thoughts, an ‘asylum for friendship and solidarity’.

Susanne Winterling: “What interests me is the community and mutual influence of these women, and how these networked connections became a visual and sensual landmark. The show does not attempt to correct the way we see these iconic figures (figures like Eileen Gray and Romaine Brooks), but presents their positions, their relations as a dynamic that is a tool for todays imaginative and sensual activism.”

Moreover, Complicity operates as the backdrop for the launch of The Correspondence Book, featuring the never before published correspondence between writers Carson McCullers and Annemarie Schwarzenbach (co-editors: Susanne M. Winterling and Vivian Ziherl; Design: Marc Hollenstein).

Kunstverein wishes to thank its (Gold) members and Stadsdeel Zuid. Special thanks to ClassiCon, Christian ter Maat, Cassandra Langer and Galerie Elstir, Paris.