The Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich explores the potential of eccentricity as an aesthetic of freedom through some fifty international visual artists.

Jean-Marie Appriou, Maurizio Cattelan, Julian Charrière, Barbara Chase-Riboud, James Ensor, Max Ernst, Sylvie Fleury, Alberto Giacometti, Jeff Koons, Paul McCarthy, Orlan, Cindy Sherman, Anna Uddenberg, Andy Warhol… The Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich invites us to a feast of artists. The exhibition “Eccentric” explores, through the work of 50 creators, the multifaceted possibilities of eccentricity in the visual arts. 

Commissioners Eva Karcher and Bernhart Schwenk express the idea that this intellectual attitude rejects ideologies of all kinds. "It is based on freedom of thought and form and, as such, defends democracy and..."'Humanism. This freedom, which goes far beyond...'Ideological, it unleashes transformative energies.'eccentricityEth and freedom have thus long been closely linked – and form the fundamental core of the'exposure », they explain.

Between fluidity and eclecticism

The exhibition features 50 artistic approaches highlighting this "ex centro" perspective, namely "this view from outside a fictional center." All of them celebrate the diversity and complexity of human existence through the body, identity, beauty, and the environment. 

The curators take this reflection further by presenting works in a variety of media, materials, and techniques, ranging from traditional craftsmanship to new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Some exhibit hybrid and amorphous compositions, others bold juxtapositions. 

The duo adds historical reference criteria with individual creations from the late 19th century^e and the beginning of the XX^e century. "In general, the works of'Eccentric art has the effect of long term d'to extend the scope of artistic production and reception and of'to offer new starting points for future generations”Bernhart Schwenk points out.

Broad spectrum

The exhibition is thus divided into five sections, each with several themes and genres, including painting, sculpture, installation, performance, media art and design objects. 

The first room, entitled “Creatures,” showcases the diversity of individual beings, asserting themselves within their own sphere of influence. “Exalted Cosmos” explores space and aesthetic norms, conceived by and for eccentric artistic personalities. “Transformative Technology” focuses on the creative use of engineering and materials that transcend boundaries. As for “Hybrid Beauty” and “Fluid Bodies,” these two themes give way to the extraordinary concept of beauty, as well as variability and the physical self-image.

"L'exposure explores as well as dignityof humans and creatures, who'étend à biodiversityto the multiplicity of all living organisms, habitats and ecosystems on Earth, in the'fresh water, in the oceans and in the'air »adds Eva Karcher, before concluding further on: “The artists are united by their shared passion for creating visual worlds that liberate our imagination. 

“Eccentric, Aesthetic of Freedom”
Pinakothek der Moderne
Barer Straße 40, Munich (Germany)
Until April 27, 2025 

pinakothek-der-moderne.de