Eyecatcher
Ohne Titel is a key piece within Palermo's oeuvre, a prototype for later experiments with the (blue) triangle. The combination of two elements, one of which an unfathomably deep blue triangle and the other a triangle with a mirrored surface, makes Ohne Titel a real eye-catcher.
Ohne Titel is a socalled ‘object painting’. Object paintings form a special group within Palermo’s oeuvre. They are often relatively small, clearly hand-made paintings with an unusual shape, often consisting of several parts. Object paintings often make a connection between architecture and space.
Mythical artist
Blinky Palermo is the artistic name of Peter Heisterkamp, who adopted it in 1964 while studying under Joseph Beuys at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. The name refers to an American mafioso and boxing promoter, whom Heisterkamp is said to have resembled. He has become a mythical figure, who, like Van Gogh, was a rising star who died at an early age.
Palermo is one of the most important German artists of the 1960s and 1970s. His work is considered a high point of post-war abstract art. Within this movement, he occupies a unique position. He is fascinated by the differences and similarities between the European and American avant-garde and post-war abstract art. For instance, the use of colour and the mirror in the work refers to the world-renowned studio of Piet Mondriaan, in which mirrors were placed at strategic places. Palermo's work revolves around the tension between painting and sculpture. As such, he underscores his relationship with American minimal art, particularly Donald Judd, who described the limitations of painting in 1964 in the article ‘Specific Objects’.
At a time when painting is under pressure, Palermo continues to explore the medium. His working method is poetic and personal. Palermo's work has a remarkably fresh appearance and to some extent remains elusive. He is a great inspiration for artists of his time such as Imi Knoebel and artists who came after him like Rosemary Trockel.
In keeping with Helene Kröller-Müller
Benno Tempel, director of the Kröller-Müller Museum: “Ohne Titel is the highly desirable and long-awaited addition to the collection of abstract and conceptual art in the Kröller-Müller Museum. This acquisition represents a much-needed deepening and establishes a link between Helene Kröller-Müller's collection of pre-war avant-garde art and the collection of post-war modern art. It also opens the way to artists of a younger generation. Because Palermo was active in both America and Europe, his work forms a bridge between the two continents”.
In our collection policy, the Kröller-Müller Museum still strives to follow the ideas of founder Helene Kröller-Müller. The spiritual and philosophical in art that Helene sought so keenly can be found in this work by Palermo.
The poetic and adventurous aspect of the Kröller-Müller Museum's collection of modern art will come to the fore in the years ahead to integrate the existing architecture with the new building by Tadao Ando.
For the first time in a Dutch museum
Despite Palermo's art-historical importance, no painting by him had yet been included in a public art collection in the Netherlands. Many of Palermo's contemporaries, who also studied under Joseph Beuys at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf, such as Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter and Imi Knoebel, are already represented (to some extent) in the Collectie the Nederlands: the complete collection of art and other movable heritage collections in public ownership in the Netherlands.
Ohne Titel is a first step towards the new collection presentation at the Kröller-Müller Museum. It is now on display in the museum's permanent collection galleries. Initially, it will be shown together with a work by Donald Judd, in the company of paintings by Piet Mondriaan and Bart van der Leck.
Rembrandt Association. For world-class art in the Netherlands
Since 1883, the Rembrandt Association has been providing indispensable support to Dutch museums in acquiring world-class art for all to enjoy permanently. It also helps with conservation and research. It is able to do this work thanks to the generosity and commitment of its members. These people also receive something in return: free admission to more than 125 museums in the Netherlands, an inspiring art magazine three times a year and invitations to art events. The Rembrandt Association is independent, overarching and has wide-ranging expertise at its disposal.
Mondriaan Fund
The Mondriaan Fund is the public fund for visual arts and cultural heritage in the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. they contribute to the plans of artists and curators as well as the realisation of projects and activities of museums and other heritage institutions, art venues, archives, galleries and art commissioners in the Netherlands and abroad. Museums and heritage institutions can apply to the Mondriaan Fund for contributions to special acquisitions that enrich the Collectie Nederland, from contemporary art and crafts to ancient manuscripts and natural history collections.
The FriendsLottery
The FriendsLottery supports organisations that make the world more beautiful, entertaining or enjoyable by dedicating themselves to culture, sport and well-being. For example, the museums and monuments in the neighbourhood or the local sports club. Participants can choose which charity they play for and have a chance of winning fantastic prizes every hour. At least 40% of the wager goes to 61 cultural partners and over 3,700 charities, clubs and associations. Thanks to participants, The FriendsLottery has already donated a total of over €2.2 billion since 1989.