beyond now. Editions

With beyond now. Editions, the Kestner Gesellschaft reflects on its exhibition history and the connection between artistic production and institutional work. This special exhibition includes both current and rediscovered limited-edition works, combining them with a series of related exhibition posters. A visual timeline traces the historical context of the works, their thematic connections to contemporary events, and their significance for the programmatic development of the Kestner Gesellschaft. Past and present intertwine in a vibrant dialogue that offers impetuses for future perspectives and makes the relationships between art, institutions, and society tangible.

The posters and limited-edition works refer to the diverse thematic exhibitions and projects that address societal and artistic questions of recent years: Tenderness (2022) focused on sensitivity and vulnerability, Anabasis (2023) explored movement and return, and Between Past and Future (2024) addresses Hannah Arendt’s thoughts on social responsibility and memory.

Since its founding in 1916, the Kestner Gesellschaft has collaborated closely with artists to release limited editions several times a year. These works form an essential part of its activities and significantly contribute to the accessibility, promotion, and visibility of contemporary art. beyond now. Editions not only offers the opportunity to explore the history of the institution’s exhibitions and limited-edition works but also to purchase these works.

In addition to historical works, the exhibition presents two new limited-edition works: Paloma Varga Weisz displays bronze sculptures from her series Wild People (2024), inspired by mythical and archetypal figures. And Monilola Olayemi Ilupeju presents her handmade book BloodLetter (2024), which interweaves personal stories in poems, essays and journal entries.

Environmental issues are an important concern for the Kestner Gesellschaft. The exhibition was designed for sustainability by using only existing interior equipment. This concept reflects a responsible approach to resource management and underscores the institution’s endeavor to address current challenges not only thematically but also practically.

Curator: Alexander Wilmschen

Artists:
Mathieu Kleyebe Abonnenc, Franz Ackermann, Rebecca Ackroyd, Nevin Aladağ, Lewis Baltz, Monika Baer, Thomas Bayrle, Bernhard und Anna Blume, Erik Bulatov, André Butzer, Katinka Bock, Armin Boehm, Cecily Brown, Fernando Bryce, Helen Cammock, Marc Camille Chaimowicz, Jake & Dinos Chapman, Louisa Clement, Ceal Floyer, FAMED, Rochelle Feinstein, Peter Fischli & David Weiss, FORT, Nan Goldin, Guerilla Girls, Gotthard Graubner, Diango Hernández, Camille Henrot, Roger Hiorns, Gary Hume, Bethan Huws, Monilola Olayemi Ilupeju, Olav Christopher Jenssen, Anna K.E., Alex Katz, Hassan Khan, Joachim Koester, Marlena Kudlicka, Rezi van Lankveld, Jochen Lempert, Kris Martin, Jakob Mattner, Rita McBride, Henri Michaux, Sarah Morris, Chris Ofili, Lucila Pacheco Dehne, Peter Piller, Joanna Piotrowska, Paula Rego, Michael Sailstorfer, Susanne Sachsse & Xiu Xiu, Vittorio Santoro, Yehudit Sasportas, Dana Schutz, Bettina Scholz, Marinella Senatore, Santiago Sierra, Roman Signer, Simon Starling, Florian Süssmayr, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Hann Trier, The Institute of Queer Ecology, Tim Ulrichs, Ursula (Schultze-Bluhm), Ella Walker, Phoebe Washburn, Paloma Varga Weisz, James Welling, Christopher Williams, Samson Young, Ursula (Schultze-Bluhm), Heimo Zobernig, Thomas Zipp.