Paul Klee. Humans Among Themselves
Paul Klee is usually seen as a reclusive creator of imaginary worlds. The exhibition contradicts this perception and demonstrates the extent to which there is often a social and political dimension concealed behind the ironic façade of his works. This political aspect is apparent as a reflection on the organisation of human coexistence.
The title of the exhibition refers to
Klee’s idea that as an artist he is able to adopt a «from above» perspective. With what could
be called a «zoological eye», Klee observes people and their activities with ironic detachment.
Humanity becomes an unknown species yet to be understood.
Klee’s interest in people and human society is primarily evident in his
drawings, which make up most of his work. Klee did not see his drawings as mere
sketches but rather as finished works of art. For Klee, drawing was not only a
means to process what he saw and experienced in abstract form but also a way of
thinking in images and creating worlds on paper.
BewegGrund
BewegGrund is a company of dancers
with and without disabilities from Bern. On invitation of the Zentrum Paul
Klee, choreographers Lucía Baumgartner and Susanne Schneider, joined by 33
participating dancers, developed a set of six choreographies that engage in
dialogue with Klee’s drawings.
Many of Klee’s works have a
distinctly theatrical character. Indeed, the artist often creates theatrical
scenes where people stand in complex and ambivalent relationships to one
another. The work of BewegGrund responds to these scenes. They documented their
work in the form of six choreographically and cinematically staged “tableaus”
that are shown alongside Klee’s works as video projections.
The work of BewegGrund is
characterized by an experimental approach to the body, movement, and dance as
well as a reduction to the essential. The diversity of the participating
individuals finds its counterpart in Klee’s oeuvre.
BewegGrund was founded in 1998 and is committed to self-determination, equal opportunities, and integration in cultural projects. BewegGrund both performs its own productions in Switzerland and abroad as well as organizes the bi-annual BewegGrund Festival in Bern. Its goal is the self-evident coexistence of disabled and non-disabled people.
