How a niche medium surprises

From 2 April, the Städtische Galerie Wolfsburg will be devoting itself to the medium of the monotype - a special printing technique from which only a single copy emerges. The basis is neither paper nor canvas, but usually glass, acrylic or metal.

Until now, the monotype has led a rather niche existence, even though it has a long history behind it: The Italian Baroque painter Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609-1664) developed the process in the mid-17th century. In the late 19th century, the technique experienced its heyday thanks to Edgar Degas and Paul Gauguin. It is also increasingly appreciated in contemporary art. The Städtische Galerie Wolfsburg would like to introduce this medium, which has so far been more of an insider's medium, to the public with Surprise. The Art of the Monotype to a wider audience. It is the first institutional exhibition in the German-speaking world to deal with the subject in a long time.

»The concept of the exhibition is open. On the one hand, it shows the diversity of the monotype medium and brings this fascinating process into discourse; on the other hand, the project provides the impetus for a more in-depth exploratory engagement with the technique, which is still a desideratum,« says director Prof. Dr. Susanne Pfleger, who organised the exhibition in collaboration with Munich gallery owner Matthias Kunz. On display are more than 12 contemporary, international artists from several generations - including, for example, Gerhard Richter, Per Kirkeby and Shara Hughes. The works cover a multifaceted spectrum from landscapes, still lifes and portraits to abstract art. Surprise. The Art of Monotype runs until 14 August.