Unveiling of the hall: A look back at Mainz 'art history!

A new anthology entitled "Die Halle-an art initiative in Mainz 1976-1982" documents the important exhibitions and projects of the hall, which was founded in 1976 as a cultural initiative in Mainz and existed until 1982. The official presentation of the book will take place on January 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Schönbornsaal. Cultural director Marianne Grosse and publisher Harald Kubiczak will lead the event that draws attention to the legacy of this important institution in the contemporary art scene, such as Sensor magazin reported.

The anthology, edited by Harald Kubiczak in cooperation with Roland Siegrist, one of the founders of the initiative, contains both documentary text and images as well as reviews by artists involved. A central essay in the publication deals with the background of the hall and the Mainz art association, founded in 1976. In this essay, the hall is also placed in the context of earlier forums for contemporary art, including the association for art and literature founded in 1823, which turned into modernity in 1920 until it was dissolved in 1933.

background to the art initiative

The hall developed from a loose idea to a recognized forum for contemporary art, which became known not only locally but also beyond Mainz. Between 1976 and 1982, the initiative showed works of a large number of artists, including Olaf Auer, Lilli Engel, Gerd Fleischmann, Jörg Frank and many more, which illustrates the relevance and diversity of contemporary art in this period, such as Circuit art added.

The essay in the anthology also deals with developments in the post -war years and illuminates two initiatives for contemporary art that preceded the hall. With the anthology, a valuable contribution to the art history of the region is made, which not only documents the past meaning of the hall, but also serves as a review of the contemporary art scene.