Search

The article recalls the history of the exhibition "documenta" in Kassel, Germany. The author relates his experience of sorting through the archive in Kassel in 1981. He points out that the first documenta of 1955 should be considered as an answer to the 1937 Nazi exhibition "Degenerate Art." He adds that Alexander Calder was the only one out of 148 artists who originated from outside Europe. A comparison between "documenta" and another internationally renowned German exhibition "Skulptur-Projekte Münster" is offered.

The author reflects on the problems of replication in modern and contemporary art. According to the author, he was personally touched by the problems of Naum Gabo's sculptures. He questions whether a replica offers a real solution, as well as how replicas should be made and handled. He points out that without a proper solution restorers cannot avoid making decisions. He contends that philosopher Eberhard Ortland's views on any restoration sounds sceptical and pragmatic.