The sensual side of minimalism

The sensuality of Minimal Art is formed by the altered perception that arises through the movement while viewing, different lighting moods and the often imposing dimensions of space-consuming objects. It can be experienced through the play with the senses - and in doing so, it goes beyond the prejudice of living solely from the reduced language of form. This aspect of minimalism is only rarely considered, which is why the Bucerius Kunstforum in Hamburg is focusing on it in Minimal Art. Bodies in Space from 12 February to 24 April.

What is special about the exhibition, however, is not only the sensual view of the supposedly cool art movement: visitors can look forward to genuine luminaries of US Minimal Art from the 1960s. The exhibition house then breaks up the classical component of the event with contemporary positions and juxtaposes them with the more original exhibits. Incidentally, the organisers don't need much explanation when it comes to the exhibition space: the focus is on the visitors and »their individual perception of the object-like works in the space«. In this way, the Bucerius Kunstforum goes right back to the initial idea of democratised art, according to which Minimal Art should be experienced and understood even without prior knowledge.

The exhibition draws on a total of seventeen loans from German museums and private collections, including names such as Sol LeWitt, Robert Morris, Imi Knoebel, Charlotte Posenenske and Gerold Miller.