The Stifterraum was redesigned to coincide with the spring exhibition The Art of Two – Between Autonomy and Collaboration. As part of the exhibition itinerary, it presents selected works by the founder, Manfred Bartling, and offers a distinct perspective on the exhibition’s theme.

Two groups of works from different creative periods illustrate the development of his artistic expression over several decades. Three drawings from the 1970s focus on everyday motifs: toast, an egg and chives. In contrast, three works from around the year 2000 display an abstract-figurative visual language. Together, these groups of works trace the development of Bartling’s visual language – from representational depictions towards freer, more open compositions.

A display case complements the presentation with sketchbooks, photographs and picture books that Bartling presumably created for his son. These materials offer an insight into his personal life and bridge the gap between his work and his biography.

The ‘Stifterraum’ thus addresses a central question of the exhibition: how does art emerge within the tension between autonomy and connectedness? The room was curated by two student assistants, who also explored this dialogue through their collaborative curatorial process.