Art Madrid'24 – New objectivity: from nature to industry

 

 

 

© Albert Renger-Patzsch

 

 

Renger-Patzsch (1897-1966) approaches to photography by his father´s influence, an amateur photographer. He studied Humanities and, after his military service (where he collaborated as a scientific assistant), he started Physics at the University of Dresde. However, he gave up his studies to dedicate entirely to photography. He also felt attracted to writing (he wrote more than thirty photography books). Foremost among these is “Die Welt ist schön” (The world is beautiful), 1928, that is a classic of modern photography. 

 

 

© Albert Renger-Patzsch

 

 

The exhibition is organised in several sections that presents an overview of his artistic career, which combine his personal projects with commercial practices. Renger-Patzsch was a relevant figure of the German New Objectivity, an artistic movement that emerged after the end of World War I as a reaction against the Expressionism that preceded it. This current strove to represent the world in the most objective way possible in a period in which Europe was going through numerous changes. He considered photography as a technical invention that belonged to the field of science.

 

 

© Albert Renger-Patzsch

 

 

In a first period, he worked for a publisher by making photographies of plants and flowers in a very severe and technical way. Neutral, dark or blurred backgrounds allowed focusing on details. He developed a careful and thoughtful method which lets him represent an objective and faithful reality. His first photographs are compilated in the book “Die Welt ist schön”, formed by 100 images that show nature and human developments: plants, landscapes, objects, architecture, city, industry, etc. These artworks enhance the importance of the industry and seriality, highlighting the perspective and the contrast of lights and shadows.

 

 

© Albert Renger-Patzsch

 

 

It can be seen how the artist keep on eye on the modern city. This is consider the place where the new and the old violently coexist. Using geometry he propose complicated frames. Lately, he focused on the peaceful feeling that nature brings; he used to walk a long time to find out the best conditions to take his pictures. Then, he paid attention to organic shapes in nature, such as the different textures that contrast with industry pulid surfaces.

 

 

© Albert Renger-Patzsch

 

 

Renger-Patszch proposes a view that focuses on the new era. His photographs can be visited during summer months until the 10th of September in Mapfre Foundation Recoletos Hall, where can also be enjoyed an exhibition about portrait in the 20th century, in which different artists from all around the world and historical moments approach to the human figure in a variety of ways.

 

 

© Albert Renger-Patzsch

 

 

If you are a contemporary art gallery and would like to be part of Art Madrid'25, you can now apply to participate!

The 20th edition of Art Madrid will take place from 5 to 9 March 2025 in the Galería de Cristal del Palacio de Cibeles. This privileged location, good communications and the quality of the project have always been guarantees of success for an event that reaches 20,000 visitors in each edition.

Art Madrid has been held during the capital's Art Week for the last twenty years, consolidating itself as an interdisciplinary fair of new artistic trends, in which nearly 40 national and international galleries participate, working with painting, sculpture, graphics, photography, installation and digital art of recent production.

Partial view of Art Madrid'24. Contemporary Art Fair. 19th edition, 2024

Art Madrid carries out a series of programs designed by curators, consultants and cultural experts with the fundamental objective of encouraging collecting, promoting cultural dialogue and making the most recent trends in art accessible to the general public. These initiatives are always focused on the constant improvement of the visitor's experience at our event, always seeking to enrich their interaction with contemporary art.

Partial view of Art Madrid'24. Contemporary Art Fair. 19th edition, 2024

PROGRAMS

Gallery Program

Art Madrid's Gallery Program is the heart of the fair. In each edition of Art Madrid, the program consists of around 40 national and international exhibitors.

Parallel Activities Program

The Parallel Program of Art Madrid'25 will have as its main axis the concept of the Territory City. The public space, the city and the territory will serve as a link to the artistic practices that take place in the "imagined spaces" and revitalize the cultural geography of Madrid.

Collecting Program

Art Madrid offers a specialized consulting service for galleries and the public interested in acquiring works of art.

Support Program for New Entries

Through a specific communication package, new entries to the fair will be presented and given special visibility.

Activities

The program will include a series of activities that will take place throughout the month of February and during Madrid Art Week at the Galería de Cristal del Palacio de Cibeles. Likewise, the parallel program will maintain the 2nd edition of the Open Booth, the Performance Cycle, Lecturas: Curated Walktrhoughs by Art Madrid, and the Interviews Section curated by Art Madrid.

Partial view of Art Madrid'24. Contemporary Art Fair. 19th edition, 2024

AWARDS

Best Booth Award

Award that will be articulated around the gallery with the best booth set up at the fair.

New Entry Award

Award will be given to the newly incorporated gallery with the best booth setup and exhibition proposal at the fair.

Emerging Artist Award

Our sponsors, as part of their line of action to promote contemporary art, will offer a prize to one of the revelation artists participating in the fair.

Partial view of Art Madrid'24. Contemporary Art Fair. 19th edition, 2024

Our support for art and culture extends throughout the year and responds to a global vision in which constancy and commitment to the galleries are essential to achieve our objectives of disseminating contemporary art within and beyond our borders; to create new audiences and interest in art and culture in all sectors of society; to strengthen and promote artists, especially young talent; to value art and culture as essential elements of social development; and to create spaces for cultural visibility and communication that are accessible, open and dynamic.



Relevant information

Applications for the 20th edition of Art Madrid'25 can be sent to the following e-mail address: info@art-madrid.com until October 7, 2024