The Table is Set in Regensburg

The “aufgetischt” (“laid table”) exhibition at the Kunst- und Gewerbeverein in Regensburg is not about traditionally set tables. Rather, it is about objects that “break ranks” and occupy a space between craftsmanship, design, applied arts and the fine arts. In addition to works by Regensburg-based artists Renate Höning, Christine Weissenseel, Ludwig Hirtreiter and Susanne Holzinger, works made of metal, ceramic, glass and textile can be seen. Their creators from Germany and Italy have mostly studied at technical colleges and universities for art and design. Above all, however, they renew the forms and contents of traditional crafts such as gold- and silversmithing, pottery, glassmaking and weaving, so that their creations can often stand on a par with sophisticated works of fine art.

Silver spoons by Gabi Veit. On display in the exhibition “aufgetischt” (dished up) by the Kunst- und Gewerbeverein Regensburg e.V. (Regensburg Art and Trade Association). Photo Paul Dittmann.

There are, for example, imaginative spoons by Gabi Veit from Bolzano, whose diverse “creatures” encounter artfully forged bowls made of thin copper foil by Passau-born Bettina Dittlmann, dancing silver cups by Juliane Schölss from Nuremberg and copper cups by Antje Dienstbir from Wiesbaden. Anne Fischer from Nuremberg and Sarah Cossham from Munich bring unusual “silverware” to the table, while peppermills by Isabelle Enders from Nuremberg combine function and an abundance of forms.

An entertaining potpourri of ceramics and glass awaits visitors. The items include sculptural lattice vases by Ute Kathrin Beck from Stuttgart; glass vessels by Dagmar Gerke from Hildesheim, which were inspired by their creator’s trip to Taiwan; amorphous ceramic bowls by Dietlind Wolf from Lübeck; and ceramics by Maya Fenderl from Halle (Saale), which combine and contrast geometric and organic elements. Poetic glass and metal objects by the Italian jewelry artist Federica Sala embody a counterpoint where things are intended to be precisely the opposite of what thought we knew. These are complemented by charming tablecloths and scarves made in the screen-printing workshop of Birgit Morgenstern from Lüneburg.

Glass vessels by Dagmar Gerke, inspired by a trip to Taiwan. The cover picture in the slider is also by Dagmar Gerke. © Dagmar Gerke.

Porcelain is the material of choice for Birgitta Schrader from Reichertshausen near Munich, who uses delicate or sometimes bold colors to accentuate the simplicity of her forms. She will say goodbye to her customers with this exhibition and afterwards end her work. According to organizers in Regensburg, the spoons, bowls, plates, vases and other vessels could be used, but they don’t have to be: “Each plays with the idea of a utilitarian object and questions its original purpose. Technical perfection meets playful freedom, while the artists experiment with materials and techniques… Their works challenge the viewer to rethink: What does it mean to use an object? Where does craftsmanship end and art begin?” The organizers hint that visitors may even undergo unprecedented sensual experiences.

Circus on the table. With the Circus Vase by Maya Fenderl. © Maya Fenderl.

Bowls, plates and other amorphous-looking vessels by Dietlind Wolf. The table becomes a stage for an aesthetic way of life. Photo Dietlind Wolf.

This delightful exhibition, which imaginatively “serves up” craftsmanship, design and art, is not least thanks to Hannah Rembeck. Through her Galerie für Schmuckkunst in Regensburg, she has worked with and gotten to know many of the protagonists personally. Regensburg is considered the best-preserved medieval city on the Danube and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. It’s wonderful that contemporary arts and crafts are also celebrated here.

There will be a “soft opening” with Alexandra Hummel on November 21 starting at 6 p.m. Hummel’s floral designs breathe organic life into set tables and show how the exhibited objects can have varied effects. The exhibition will be staged with scenic and musical performances on November 30^th starting at 5 p.m. Ophelia Flassig will present baroque compositions that are thematically related to the exhibition. Immersing the exhibit in ancient sounds and new images, her ensemble aims to blur the boundaries between the stage and the auditorium.