Crossing Boundaries with Art: A Global Link
In the vibrant city of Münster, a significant shift is taking place at the LWL Museum for Art and Culture. The museum, renowned for its European art collection, has expanded its focus to encompass global art history, with a particular emphasis on early European lacquer works and their counterparts from Asia.
This new direction reflects a growing interest in lacquer as a significant art form across continents, recognising the contributions of both Asian and European artists to this unique art form. The museum's extensive library, housing historical handbooks and recipe books related to lacquer techniques, underscores this commitment to both the artistic and scholarly aspects of lacquer art.
Tanja Sollwedel, a local Münster native and a mother, is at the forefront of this exciting change. As an editor at ALL ABOUT MÜNSTER, Sollwedel has written on a diverse range of topics, from lacquer art to public opening hours in Münster, crime statistics, and even digital treasure troves. Her latest article, published on April 3, 2024, focuses on the current exhibition, "Fascination of Lacquer. Art from Asia and Europe," which opened at the museum on that same day.
This exhibition, the first presentation from the 2023-acquired collection of the Museum for Lacquer Art, showcases over 1,250 lacquer objects. It begins with the extraction and processing of Asian lacquer and spans the arc from early Chinese lacquer work to contemporary lacquer art from Asia and Europe. The current exhibition, curated by Dr. Patricia Frick, focuses on so-called export lacquers produced in Asia in the 16th century for the European market, offering insights into historical trade relations and cultural exchange processes between East and West.
The exhibition concludes with exhibits of contemporary lacquer art from Asia and Europe, demonstrating the enduring appeal and evolution of this ancient art form. The exhibition ends on July 18, 2025, providing ample time for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of lacquer art.
This approach to global art history aligns with contemporary scholarly trends emphasising the importance of a global perspective in museum collections and exhibitions, reflecting on shared histories and exchanges beyond a purely European or regional lens. By integrating the collection, the LWL Museum for Art and Culture expands its collection focus beyond Europe, offering a more comprehensive view of art history.
As Tanja Sollwedel continues to work from home, her journalistic contributions to the museum's new direction are undoubtedly shaping the way we understand and appreciate the world of lacquer art. The "Fascination of Lacquer. Art from Asia and Europe" exhibition at the LWL Museum for Art and Culture is a testament to this exciting shift, inviting visitors to explore the captivating world of lacquer art from across the globe.
Tanja Sollwedel's latest article on All About Münster highlights the current exhibition, "Fascination of Lacquer. Art from Asia and Europe," held at the LWL Museum for Art and Culture, which showcases a diverse collection of over 1,250 lacquer objects from both Asia and Europe, spanning across centuries and continents, thereby reflecting a broader perspective on global art history. As Sollwedel continues to work from home, her journalistic endeavors in the home-and-garden sector contribute significantly to shifting public awareness and appreciation of the lifestyle-enriching world of lacquer art.
