Resonances
Contemporary German Medallic Art
Responding to a call by the German Society for Medallic Art, twenty-seven artists have submitted contemporary works that explore the multifaceted concept of “resonance.” Beyond its physical definition as the phenomenon of sympathetic vibration, the term unfolds here in its metaphorical dimensions—touching upon pressing social and environmental concerns as well as the creative principle of artistic attunement itself. In this light, the contemporary art medal presents itself as a distinctly modern medium—one that transcends traditional conceptions of form and materiality and affirms its relevance within the broader field of contemporary artistic practice.
Through the Eyes of Collectors
The Most Beautiful Medal
Art medals have long held a special place in the world of collecting. Acknowledging this enduring fascination, the Bavarian Numismatic Society invited collectors to present their personal favorites in a dedicated exhibition. The seventy-five selected works captivate not only through their individual artistic merit but also through the remarkable diversity of artists, epochs, and themes they embody. Together, they trace the wide-ranging spectrum of medallic art within private collections and offer insight into what continues to inspire and delight the collector’s eye today.
Eva Backofen
Klage, 2024
“This collage is dedicated to the memory of the demolition of Leipzig’s St. Paul’s University Church, carried out on the orders of the SED in 1968.
The materials used are related to the idea of explosion, but they do not originate from the original site in Leipzig. They were employed symbolically.”
Marianne Dietz
Rache und Vergeltung, 2024
“When the theme ‘Resonances’ was announced, the war in Gaza had already been raging for more than a year.
Thus, the image of revenge and retribution inevitably suggested itself — the most terrible and devastating form of resonance.
An endless story that, in its most excessive form, finds its most inhumane and morally reprehensible conclusion only in the annihilation of one of the parties, regardless of responsibility.”
Lucia Maria Hardegen
Ohne Titel, 2024
“Through the transfer of energy — an impulse — the child is enabled, by swinging, to reach its own natural frequency and to continue independently, achieving greater amplitude.
Symbolically, for me, such an impulse given at the right moment represents an education toward personal responsibility.”
Andreas A. Jähnig
Resonanzen, 2024
“The term resonance originates in physics and refers to the excitation of vibrations sharing the same natural frequency.
In a figurative sense, one might say more simply: birds of a feather flock together.
It is pleasing to meet like-minded people. In politics, this is exploited when politicians roll up their sleeves, stand before their voters, and hope to elicit resonance effects — to make it seem as though they are one of them.”
Angelo Grilli
1985
This contemporary work by the Italian artist Angelo Grilli impresses with a magnificent three-dimensional depiction of the old city of Pavia. A hand-sized sculpture with high-relief detail.
“A ring with a three-edged, beveled crossbar! Why? I cannot say — the fascination of a work of art sometimes defies explanation.”
Nigel Hall
Previous Exhibitions