The exhibition "Luminous interval" - "The bright interval" is the first major presentation of works from the collection of the Greek collector D. Daskalopoulos. Among them are works by such prominent and influential international artists as Louise Bourgeois, Robert Gober, Martin Kippenberger, Paul McCarthy, and Kiki Smith, as well as by younger artists such as Paul Chan, Guyton \ Walker, Nate Lowman and Wangechi Mutu.
The exhibition comprises some 60 works by 30 international artists. The collection of Dimitri Daskalopoulos is one of the world's most important private collections of contemporary art. It presents a broad spectrum of work, with particular emphasis on sculpture and spatial installations. Using works from the 1980s and 1990s by prominent personalities, it immerses the visitor in some of the most significant artistic developments of recent decades.
The title of the exhibition, "The bright interval”, is based on the writings of the Greek philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), whose ideas can be transferred to the collection of Dimitris Daskalopoulos. Kazantzakis sees the struggle for survival and disintegration as necessary conditions for creative production and renewal. The collection explores the juxtaposition of hope and despair in human existence, with a special focus on the concepts of alienation, trauma, the physical, and cultural identity. The exhibition reflects the crises and triumphs of modern life, and alludes to specific geopolitical and social contexts. In addition, the exhibition broaches universal themes, especially the undeniable strength of the human spirit.
The Dimitri Daskalopoulos Collection
Based in Athens, Dimitris Daskalopoulos is one of the world's most important private collectors of contemporary art, with more than 400 works from 170 artists. Over the past 15 years, he has lent over 140 works to more than 120 international museums in Europe and the United States. The D. Daskalopoulos Collection gives sculptural works as well as film and video special significance. Many of his most ambitious and important pieces are on display at the Guggenheim Bilbao for the first time since their acquisition.
Daskalopoulos is currently actively looking for a suitable location in Athens. His goal is to create a public space that promotes interactive learning by the idea, relevance and enjoyment of contemporary art. Curated by Nancy Spector, Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and Katherine Brinson, Assistant Curator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. Catalogue: The exhibition is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog with a dialogue between Nancy Spector and Dimitris Daskalopoulos about the history and spirit of the collection, with essays by art critic Brian Sholis, philosopher Simon Critchley and psychoanalyst Jamieson Webster as well as detailed contributions by many artists offering new explanations of the pieces. 12 April to 11 September 2011
Guggenheim Bilbao Museoa
Avenida Abandoibarra, 2
48001 Bilbao
BIZKAIA
Spain
www.guggenheim-bilbao.es
