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Zentrum Paul Klee Unveils Immersive "Kosmos Klee" Exhibition

The Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern, Switzerland, has launched an extraordinary new permanent exhibition titled "Kosmos Klee." This dynamic showcase invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through the life and work of Paul Klee, one of the most influential artists of the modern era. The exhibition offers a comprehensive chronological survey of Klee's artistic career, featuring approximately 80 rotating works from the center's extensive collection.

Paul Klee, Ohne Titel (Fabrikanlage) [Untitled (Factory Plant)], 1922, Watercolour and pencil on paper on cardboard, 10 ~ 8,9 cm, Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern, donation of Livia Klee

As the world's foremost institution for research into Paul Klee's life and work, the Zentrum Paul Klee boasts an unparalleled collection of the artist's drawings, watercolors, and paintings. With 80% of the collection consisting of works on paper, the exhibition reflects Klee's primary focus as a draughtsman. Due to the delicate nature of these works and the sheer size of the collection, the exhibition rotates pieces regularly, ensuring both preservation and a fresh experience for returning visitors.

The "Kosmos Klee" exhibition is thoughtfully designed to guide visitors through the various phases of Klee's artistic development. From his meticulously detailed early works to his later experiments with abstraction and color, the exhibition traces the evolution of Klee's unique visual language. Each decade of the artist's career is color-coded within the exhibition space, allowing for intuitive navigation and a clear understanding of his artistic progression. Complementing the artworks are biographical photographs, films, and concise introductory texts that provide deeper insights into Klee's life and his engagement with the world around him. The exhibition also showcases treasures from the Zentrum Paul Klee's extensive archive, offering glimpses into the artist's personal life. Visitors can explore Klee's passion for music through his record collection and musical scores, listen to his favorite compositions via a podcast, and examine his collection of natural materials that inspired his work.

A unique feature of the exhibition is the "Fokus" area, a 100-square-meter space dedicated to smaller, focused exhibitions. These presentations delve into specific aspects of Klee's work, showcase artists with surprising connections to Klee, and explore the global reception of his art. Currently, the Fokus area is hosting an exhibition on avant-garde journals, highlighting the importance of these publications in the early 20th-century art world. To enhance the visitor experience, the Zentrum Paul Klee has introduced "Unpacking Klee," a series of short films that provide behind-the-scenes glimpses into the center's vast collection and archive. These episodes, available both in the exhibition space and on the center's YouTube channel, reveal fascinating objects from Klee's life and offer new perspectives on his artistic process.

Paul Klee, Tunesische Scizze [Tunisian Sketch], 1914, 212, Watercolour and pencil on paper on cardboard, 17,9 ~ 12,2 cm, Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern, donation of Livia Klee

Paul Klee, Nordzimmer [North Room ], 1932, 17, Watercolour on paper on cardboard, 37 ~ 55 cm, Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern

For those unable to visit in person, the Zentrum Paul Klee has developed a digital experience called "Digitorial®" that focuses on five of Klee's most significant journeys. This online presentation illustrates the artist's development from a young student to a master of modern art, exploring pivotal moments such as his first trip to Italy in 1901 and his legendary study tour to Tunisia in 1914. The current Fokus exhibition, "Journals of the Avant-Garde," running from October 19, 2024, to February 16, 2025, presents around 150 exhibits that explore the journal as an artistic medium. This presentation showcases 15 different avant-garde journals, examining their innovative designs and their role in disseminating radical ideas and concepts in the early 20th century.

"Kosmos Klee" offers a multifaceted and immersive experience that goes beyond a traditional art exhibition. By combining Klee's artworks with biographical materials, archival treasures, and contextual presentations, the Zentrum Paul Klee has created a rich environment for visitors to engage with the artist's life and work. Whether you're a long-time admirer of Klee or new to his art, this exhibition promises to provide fresh insights and a deeper appreciation for one of the most important figures in modern art.