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‘Überraschen Lassen’ – VHS Stuttgart
Last Saturday, the art gallery at VHS Stuttgart opened the group exhibition “Überraschen Lassen / Let Yourself Be Surprised,” featuring works by artists from the KreativWerk Höfingen, an inclusive art studio in Leonberg that supports artists with disabilities and is run by Atrio Leonberg.
Curated by Kurt Grunow, a prominent figure in Stuttgart’s art scene, the exhibition showcases eleven artists who work full-time as professionals at KreativWerk Höfingen. These artists operate under structured, routine-based conditions similar to those in a “Behindertenwerkstatt”—a German sheltered workshop for people with disabilities. This setup requires adherence to a daily schedule and provides a regular paycheck, fostering self-determination and financial independence. However, it also raises questions about the extent of artistic freedom and professional growth possible within these constraints.
The artists represented include Alexandra Flad, Hilal Göktas, Petra Griesert, Monika Kwesch, Dorothea Müller, Maren Benedix, Martha Cseh, and Andreas Stejskal, alongside works by the late artists Hartmut Köppen and Rita Mettler. The exhibition will be on view until March 2, 2025.
The significance of this exhibition becomes particularly poignant when considering the historical context in Germany. Artists with disabilities and mental illnesses were victims of the Nazi euthanasia program T4, which resulted in the deaths of over 200,000 individuals. Many perpetrators, like Dr. Kurt Borm, were never held accountable for their actions. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of this injustice, showcasing that behind every artist with a disability stands a person with potential who can contribute meaningfully to society. It also recalls the works of mentally ill artists from the Prinzhorn Collection in Heidelberg, including Elfriede Lohse-Wächtler.
From the imaginative and colorful pieces of Maren Benedix, part of her children’s book “Namo the Dragon Rider,” to Dorothea Müller’s vivid acrylic paintings featuring floral and animal motifs, and Deborah Heβ’s vibrant female figures depicted in intricate patterns, these works convey a joyful and healthy outlook on life. They invite viewers to reflect on our common humanity.
The artworks invite us to explore them through various art genres, drawing comparisons to Impressionism, with its emphasis on light and color, and to Expressionism, particularly in depictions of church architecture. They can also be viewed through the lens of artivism or considered through the philosophy of Joseph Beuys. In fact, we may find connections to numerous art movements, as well as similarities with works in the contemporary art world. Throughout art history, each era has introduced movements that challenge established norms, encouraging us to question why we often prioritize one art form over another instead of recognizing the equal value of all.
This exhibition provokes philosophical questions about how we perceive the diverse skills within individuals and why certain artworks are categorized as “Outsider Art.” Why not simply call it Art?
Additionally, the exhibition fosters an understanding of the artists’ inner lives, as demonstrated in Martha Cseh’s mixed media works, which include handwritten texts conveying life wisdom. She writes:
The Path to a Happy Life
Life has its ups and downs; sometimes you feel great, while other times you may feel really down. Various life changes, such as the pandemic or the loss of a loved one, can lead to feelings of unhappiness or sadness. Everyone desires happiness, and to achieve it, we must actively work on our lives. Practicing gratitude daily and setting meaningful goals are essential steps. We can learn a lot from books and films—never bury your head in the sand. Embrace the sunshine, appreciate nature, travel when possible, and be grateful for your health and ability to work.
A multilingual audio guide, inspired by the artworks and designed for blind and visually impaired visitors, is currently being developed in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart. This guide will be gradually implemented throughout the exhibition and accessible via QR code.
Overall, the exhibition emphasizes that behind every disability stands a person with whom we can bond through shared interests and emotions. I resonate with what Martha Cseh expresses. I, too, feel sadness when I can no longer do what I once could, when I lose a loved one, or when I feel trapped in my circumstances.
Leaving the exhibition, I experienced a mix of emotions: joy in celebrating and honoring people with disabilities, and sadness over the missed opportunities for my brother. I reflect on the sketches he made and what might have developed from them if he had received support like that at KreativWerk Höfingen. Encountering people with disabilities serves as a constant reminder of his early death and my complex role in this narrative, now further complicated by my green card denial in 2020.
If you find yourself in Stuttgart, I encourage you to visit the exhibition and explore the works of these remarkable artists. There is also a related exhibition titled “For Dear Life: Art, Medicine, and Disability” at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which reflects on the experiences of artists with various disabilities.
Lastly, why not give these artists the same recognition as others by displaying their work in a prominent museum alongside artists who have explored similar subject matter? Such an exhibition could be both interesting and inspiring. As demonstrated in LACMA’s 2019 exhibition “Outliers and American Vanguard Art,” we must emphasize that creativity transcends boundaries and that all art, regardless of labels, holds intrinsic value.
https://vhs-stuttgart.de/programm/kurssuche/kurs/547-C-242-20050
