18.09.–04.10.2009

Graduate show of the Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste - Städelschule at the MMK ZOLLAMT and PORTIKUS

 

For the sixth time, graduates of the Staatlichen Hochschule für Bildende Künste Städelschule will be presenting works for the 2009 degree show within a formal, institutional context. This year artworks by these young graduates will be on display at the MMK ZOLLAMT as well as at PORTIKUS. This collaboration underlines the close connection between the both institutions. Alongside both exhibition sites, the works will also be shown in the outdoor area and the Walter König bookshop; a daily performance will also link each museum.

Work by the following graduates will be on show: Marisa Argentato, Wiebke Bachmann, David Catherall, Simon Denny, Martin Flemming, Jorma Foth, Oleksiy Gendlin, Florian Heinke, Oliver Heinzenberger, Hanna Hildebrand, Janus Hochgesand, Simone Junker, Normann Kaiser, Klaus Kamptner, Martin Kirchner, Max Kober, Flo Maak, Stefanie Mayer, Ryan Siegan-Smith, Cristina Szilly, Rebecca Ann Tess, Christian Tonner, Siw Umsonst, Friedrich Vater, Jeronimo Voss, Natalie Vu from the following classes: Christa Näher, Willem de Rooij, Michael Krebber, Mark Leckey, Simon Starling and Tobias Rehberger.

The bestseller Dude, where's my Career? is conceived as a guide for graduates. As far as the graduates form the Städelschule are concerned, the title is an expression of their current situation, albeit an ironic description of their uncertain future and position within a highly competitive art market. In addition, the title is also indicative of a caesura, which graduation marks out in the life of the art students themselves.

The transition from student life to the world of work is classically experienced for most as an uncertain phase in one's existence-a special point of transformation appears to have been reached. Now at last, if it hasn't happened before, one feels duly challenged to take charge of one's own career. But is it possible to plan one's own career, particularly an artistic career? Put succinctly: is there a life after my degree and where is all heading?

This exhibition has been generously supported by ALLEN & OVERY LLP and Städelschule Portikus e.V.

Curated by: Melanie Ohnemus
Photos: Katrin Schilling