National and International Positioning
SAMMLUNG VERBUND aspires to uniquely position itself, both nationally and internationally, in the area of contemporary art and to create an unmistakable identity. The company does not influence the curators´purchasing decisions.
Art Since 1970
Since the 1970’s, SAMMLUNG VERBUND has been placing contemporary art in dialogue with contemporary positions. In the 1970’s, many artists liberated themselves from painting and created new forms of expression; they began to discover their bodies as a medium. Photography and video film became established as independent forms of art.
Maxim: Depth rather than Breadth
The collection’s maxim is "Depth rather than Breadth"; the spotlight is placed upon certain periods of artistic creativity. At the same time, the focus lies on whole bodies of work, such as the early work by Cindy Sherman, and specific artistic positions since 1970.
Works of art dealing with the construction of identities form a thematic focal point of SAMMLUNG VERBUND. Counting among these are the bodies of work by the feminist avant-garde, including works from Eleanor Antin, Renate Bertlmann, Valie Export, Birgit Jürgenssen, Ana Mendieta, Hannah Wilke, Francesca Woodman, among others. A further thematic focal point is formed by the bodies of work from Lüthi and David Wojnarowicz, as well as more recent positions from Kate Gilmore, Laura Ribero, Ursula Mayer and Markus Schinwald.
Feminist Avant-garde
2010 saw SAMMLUNG VERBUND’s positions from the feminist avant-garde were presented for the first time in the exhibition "DONNA. Avanguardia femminista negli anni ‘70" in the Galleria nazionale d'arte moderna in Rome.
SAMMLUNG VERBUND is the only art institution that, with 50 works, owns a comprehensive body of work from Birgit Jürgenssen and takes a leading role in the rediscovery of her œuvres.
Spaces / Places
"Spaces / Places" forges the link between bodies of work that deal with the issue of spatial perception. Included among these are works from Teresa Hubbard / Alexander Birchler, Janet Cardiff / George Bures Miller, Gordon Matta-Clark, Loan Nguyen, Fred Sandback and Jeff Wall.
Academic Work
Alongside the collection presentations, SAMMLUNG VERBUND has set itself the goal of academic work and the editing of publications. This aspiration, one that is unusual for a company collection, has been held in particular esteem by national and international media.