BERLIN.- Artist of documenta I to XII, that’s the title of an exhibition that has just opened its gates at Ketterer Kunst in Berlin. “The focus is, on the one hand, on paying tribute to the unique works by former documenta artists. On the other hand, the approach is to highlight the changing perspectives of this internationally renowned art show, in order to stay abreast of socio-cultural developments“, says Robert Ketterer.

The first documenta in Kassel in 1955 took place almost at the same time, that was from July to September, as the exhibition in Berlin-Charlottenburg, which will run until September 21st. At the “world’s most important art exhibition“ (stern, 9 June, 2012) innovative and internationally acknowledged artists as well as newcomers have been presenting a thrilling documentation of contemporary art for 57 years.

While the first documenta focussed on modern art works by artists that had been defamed by the National Socialists, the second show in 1959 already had an emphasis on informal art. The changes as well as the different tendencies that have been running like a thread through the events of this significant institution for contemporary art, are clearly illustrated in the exhibition in Berlin which comprises 26 works by 24 former documenta artists, from drawings and etchings to lithographs and woodcuts.

The works, among others by Horst Antes, Elvira Bach, Michael Buthe, Hanne Darboven, Max Ernst, HAP Grieshaber, David Hockney, Sigmar Polke, Robert Rauschenberg, Gerhard Richter, Thomas Schütte, Antoni Tapies, Marc Tobey and Werner Tübke – are on display and for sale in Fasanenstr. 70 in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Doors are open from Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Prices range from € 180 to € 3.300. .

Since it was founded in 1954, Ketterer Kunst has been firmly established in the front ranks of auction houses dealing in fine art and rare books, with its headquarters in Munich and a branch in Hamburg. Gallery rooms in Berlin as well as representatives in Heidelberg, Düsseldorf and Modena (Italy) have contributed substantially to the company's success. In addition, exhibitions, special theme and charity auctions as well as online auctions are regular events at Ketterer Kunst. Robert Ketterer is auctioneer and owner of Ketterer Kunst.