Jörg Schellman's Wall works is now on display at the Museum Villa Stuck.
One of a kind? People in the art world call it the “Swatch principle” — mass-produced art intended to give the buyer the feeling he has purchased a unique work, which, in reality, is owned by thousands of people. This idea, first brought to life by the famous Swiss watch manufacturer, inspired Jörg Schellmann’s Wall Works, now on display at the Museum Villa Stuck. The Munich gallery owner commissioned famous artists from around the globe to create portable art that can be integrated into any space. Each work is replicated a total of 10 to 20 times. The only distinguishing factor is the venue in which each piece is installed. Museum director Jo-Anne Birnie Danzker chose fifteen of the works for the exhibition. The Canadian with an eye for Kunst said she wished to show “the contrasts between modern, scientific and industrial art and the Pompeii-inspired frescoes by Franz von Stuck.” Peter Halley’s Static Wallpaper is a prime example — pastel squares convey the artist’s vision of a fragmented, post-apocalyptic world. Female artists taking part in the project address racial or sexual cliché in their works. Afro-American fine arts guru Kara Walker’s entry, Pastoral, while an interesting silhouette and a symbolic look at the black experience, leaves something to the imagination. Ohio-born Joseph Kosuth’s contribution to the museum makeover is a tribute to the 1939 James Joyce bestseller Finnegan’s Wake. Moveable, neon characters allude to the book’s symbolism. Wall Works will be shown until November 7. Museum Villa Stuck, Prinzregentenstrasse 60, Tel. (089) 455 55 10. Opening hours: Tues. to Sun. 10-18. <<< sst