Event Details
RESEARCH SEMINAR: LEGACY AND FRAGMENTATION, RECONSTRUCTING THE MERZBAUTEN
‘Fragmentation – many pieces that are not close together.’
Barry Bergdoll (Senior Curator of Architecture MoMA)
Leading architects, artists, curators and art restoration experts will meet together to discuss some of the ethical, aesthetic and practical problems associated with attempting reconstructions of the Merzbaus and, by association, other major art and architectural works of the early-mid modern era. The seminar will also discuss forthcoming publications, artists’ projects and exhibitions about Schwitters, including the proposed Merzbau publication and survey exhibition at Hancock Museum, Newcastle.
10 - 11.30am (1) The Hannover Merzbau Tracing the history of its development and influnences. Including an update about recent research work on the Merzbau, a review of past attempts at reconstructing the work, and related artists’ projects.
Panel: Dr Dorothea Dietrich, Dr Karin Orchard (Sprengel Museum, Hannover), Peter Bissegger (Zurich) and Dr Gwendolen Webster, (Aachen) Chair, Professor Roger Cardinal
11.00 - 12.30pm (2). The Norwegian Merzbaus New information about the Lysaker and Hjertoya Merzbaus; proposals for the documentation and restoration of the Hjertoya Schwittershytta.
Panel: Drs Jarle Sanden and Terje Thingvold (Romsdal Museum, Norway), Dr Isabel Schulz (Sprengel Museum), Derek Pullen (Tate Britain), Michael and Adam Lowe (FACTUM ARTE Madrid - via Skype). Chair, Dr Gwendolen Webster
Lunch
1.30 - 3.00pm (3). The Elterwater Merz Barn An update about proposals for the Merz Barn’s restoration and reconstruction, and future plans for the development of the site at Cylinders. Proposals for Kurt Schwitters in England Foundation and a Merzbau/Merz Barn museum and study centre.
Panel: Andrew Shepherd Architectural Association, Derek Pullen (Tate Britain), Dr Ian Hunter, Chair, Mel Gooding
3.30 - 5.00pm (4). Open forum discussion An update about the proposed 2012 Merzbau survey exhibition and publication project with Tyne and Wear Museums NE England.
Chair, Dr Dorothea Dietrich
Spadeadam, UNITED KINGDOM