An exceptional collection of artist books has been donated to the Draiflessen Collection
We are delighted to announce a special addition to its collection. Collectors Ingrid and Manfred Rotert from Osnabrück have generously donated 60 high-quality artists' books, special editions and portfolios of classic contemporary art. The collection includes outstanding works by artists such as Silvia Bächli, Georg Baselitz, Joseph Beuys, Eduardo Chillida, Hanne Darboven, Markus Lüpertz, Gerhard Richter, Thomas Schütte and Günther Uecker. This addition to our collection enriches it with an independent area of contemporary art that is both artistically and bibliographically significant.
Dialogue with the Liberna Collection
In particular, the dialogue with the Liberna Collection — our special library focusing on Dutch book and print art of the Golden Age — opens up new contextual perspectives for the museum's scientific and curatorial work, which generally takes a cross-epochal approach to topics. With its focus on modernism, the Rotert Collection will also enable the museum to trace the development of book art from the past to the present. The objects will soon be archived in the Liberna Collection, where they will be conserved and catalogued for research purposes.
“Starved for art”
Ingrid and Manfred Rotert have been collecting art since 1967. A major reason for this was a work-related move to Hanover – they were, as Manfred Rotert says in retrospect, 'starved for art'. Their extensive collection, which mainly comprises multiples by Joseph Beuys, began with prints, initially with annual editions from the Kunstverein Hannover. Through their contacts with Klaus Staeck, Walther König and an expanding network within the art scene, artists' books gradually found their way into the collection, primarily after the year 2000. This genre continues to fascinate them both to this day, especially Ingrid Rotert, who has always been passionate about graphic art, design, and typography.
Artist's books as art objects
This genre is not easy to define. It ranges from limited special editions signed by artists and published by a publishing house – often to finance the total print run – to handmade small print runs, elaborately designed unique pieces and artistic book objects that transcend the traditional book format, breaking down the boundaries between literature, design and visual art.
The Roterts' decision to donate this special collection to the Draiflessen Collection was a conscious one, made out of appreciation for the museum and its library. The contact was established through an intermediary from the Roterts' network. Following the transfer of their Beuys multiples to the LWL Museum of Art and Culture in Münster in 2018, this latest donation further demonstrates Ingrid and Manfred Rotert's commitment to preserving and communicating important artistic positions in modern and contemporary art.
Dialogue with the Liberna Collection
In particular, the dialogue with the Liberna Collection — our special library focusing on Dutch book and print art of the Golden Age — opens up new contextual perspectives for the museum's scientific and curatorial work, which generally takes a cross-epochal approach to topics. With its focus on modernism, the Rotert Collection will also enable the museum to trace the development of book art from the past to the present. The objects will soon be archived in the Liberna Collection, where they will be conserved and catalogued for research purposes.
“Starved for art”
Ingrid and Manfred Rotert have been collecting art since 1967. A major reason for this was a work-related move to Hanover – they were, as Manfred Rotert says in retrospect, 'starved for art'. Their extensive collection, which mainly comprises multiples by Joseph Beuys, began with prints, initially with annual editions from the Kunstverein Hannover. Through their contacts with Klaus Staeck, Walther König and an expanding network within the art scene, artists' books gradually found their way into the collection, primarily after the year 2000. This genre continues to fascinate them both to this day, especially Ingrid Rotert, who has always been passionate about graphic art, design, and typography.
Artist's books as art objects
This genre is not easy to define. It ranges from limited special editions signed by artists and published by a publishing house – often to finance the total print run – to handmade small print runs, elaborately designed unique pieces and artistic book objects that transcend the traditional book format, breaking down the boundaries between literature, design and visual art.
The Roterts' decision to donate this special collection to the Draiflessen Collection was a conscious one, made out of appreciation for the museum and its library. The contact was established through an intermediary from the Roterts' network. Following the transfer of their Beuys multiples to the LWL Museum of Art and Culture in Münster in 2018, this latest donation further demonstrates Ingrid and Manfred Rotert's commitment to preserving and communicating important artistic positions in modern and contemporary art.
Markus Lüppertz, Narziß und Echo, 2007
| © Draiflessen Collection (Schenkung aus Privatbesitz), Mettingen, Foto/photo: Henning Rogge
