Spot on: Hairytales

20 June – 27 October 2024

Whether short or long, curly, frizzy or straight, tousled, blow-dried or braided: The way that hair is styled tells us something about social status and belonging to societal groups. Cuts and hairdos expose notions of gender and body image of their time. They reflect norms and are an expression of political protest and resistance.

Press Release

Please note: The use of the image material is only permitted free of charge in connection with current journalistic reporting on the relevant exhibitions and events, provided the copyright is named. Cropping of the illustrations is not permitted.

Female body hair is at the centre of this small exhibition, which presents works of painting, photography, graphic art and design from the 16th century to the present day.  The spectrum ranges from Renaissance goddesses to a mobile drying bonnet and a body with artificial pubic hair. Art’s view of the female body and the depiction of its hair over the centuries bear witness to ideals of beauty, forms of desire and everyday grooming routines. Dedicated to the hairy stories in the Kunstpalast collection, “Hairytales” opens up perspectives on this intimate, symbolic material.

Artists involved (selection): Heinrich Aldegrever, Inken Boje, František Drtikol, André Gelpke, Victor Honoré Janssens, Gertrude Käsebier, Rebecca Racine Ramershoven Rissa
Julian Westermann, Tobias Zielony.

Curator: Ellen Haak, Trainee Department of Photographs

Please note: The use of the image material is only permitted free of charge in connection with current journalistic reporting on the relevant exhibitions and events, provided the copyright is named. Cropping of the illustrations is not permitted.

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