Noses Scenting Tulips. The irregular art of the Würth Collection

Starting 10 February 2015 the Würth Capena Art Forum will present the exhibition “Noses Scenting Tulips. The irregular art of the Würth Collection”, drawing from a vast group of works owned by the Collection dedicated to this particular genre, produced by persons with mental disabilities.

An exhibition project – whose title derives from one of the works of Uwe Kächele – presented in Italy for the first time. On display a selection of more than thirty works (paintings, drawings and sculptures) by over twenty artists, among whom David Christenheit (*1972), Helmut Widmaier (1927- 2011), Rosemarie Hübner (*1959), Walburga Brai (*1943), Martin Udo Koch (*1965) and Georg Würz (*1951). A variety of original aesthetic results emerge from their imaginary worlds, experiences, subjects, styles and techniques , which are often supported by their participation in exhibitions throughout Europe. Many of these artists work in “assisted ateliers” in Germany.

The interest of art collectors Carmen and Reinhold Würth for irregular art – which has enjoyed international affirmation over many years – is part of a wider commitment whose aim is the social integration of people with disabilities. Shining examples of integration and coexistence of people with and without disabilities are the Hotel Restaurant Anne-Sophie established in Künzelsau, willed by Carmen Würth, or the support for the international program of sports training and athletic competition, Special Olympics games. In line with all this is the hosting of the stimulating dialogue between Out- and Insider-Art in this collection with the intent to clarify that opening towards the first is not only important from a social point of view, but is equally interesting from an artistic one.

Irregular Art is the current Italian definition that designates productions related to intellectual disability as well as those characterized by immediacy and spontaneity that flourish outside the official channels of trends or movements.

In 1945 Jean Dubuffet coined the definition “Art Brut” (“Outsider Art”) recognizing its value for the first time. Dubuffet’s research and work should be read in the light of a historic period (the beginnings of the Twentieth century) when, in search of new sources of inspiration and forms of expression, the artistic avant-garde found stimuli in the art of so-called outsiders.

Today Irregular Art, Art Brut or Outsider Art (according to the English definition), counts numerous collections, museums and galleries. The most famous is la Collection de l’Art Brut in Lausanne.

Within the areas of the Würth Capena Art Forum, it will be possible to visit an exhibition devoted to the history of the Würth Group. celebrating its 70th anniversary presented in a time line, that recalls the main events of world history between the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, with special attention to events in Germany and Italy.