Rediscovering modern art from Baden-Württemberg

Schaufenster Kunst is an innovative research and digitalization project that aims to spotlight underrepresented artists from Baden-Württemberg. The aim is to explore the works and networks of those protagonists who helped shape modernist art but have so far been underrepresented in the canon of art history. The project is funded by the Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts of Baden-Württemberg.

“The works of art that we can see in the museums and collections paint a picture of Baden-Württemberg's rich artistic landscape - diverse, surprising and of high quality. Through the Schaufenster Kunst project, the state is increasing the visibility of artists from Baden-Württemberg. The good thing is that the digital platform makes previously unknown works public and at the same time brings regional art history to life using digital means," says Arne Braun, State Secretary at the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts.

Schaufenster Kunst presents artistic positions of the 20th century in all their diversity and opens up new perspectives on the art history of the region. The platform is built on a custom-developed database system that not only presents artists' biographies and bodies of work, but also highlights the connections between artists, institutions, exhibitions, and awards. High-resolution digital copies of works and a curated selection concept enable an in-depth examination of the artistic works.

"With this platform, we are creating an extraordinary tool for science, teaching and interested members of the public. It makes a significant contribution to the digital transfer of knowledge and the long-term documentation of regional art production. "The platform invites both targeted searches and spontaneous discoveries," explains Prof. Kerstin Thomas, project manager at the Institute of Art History (IKG) at the University of Stuttgart. The IKG team is implementing the project in close collaboration with the Information and Communication Center (IZUS) and the University Library at the University of Stuttgart.

The use of standardized digital formats enables Schaufenster Kunst to connect to other databases and facilitates cross-regional exchange. The project is thus not only pioneering work in digital cataloging, but also serves as a model for future digital catalogs.

Since December 2024, Schaufenster Kunst has been expanded by the sub-project “Art from 1933 to 1945 and beyond”. This takes a critical look at art production in Baden-Württemberg during the National Socialist era and its aftermath. The aim is to present aspects of regional entanglements during this period, that have been little researched to date, in a visible and differentiated way.

The Schaufenster Kunst online portal has created a digital showcase for art from Baden-Württemberg - research-based, diverse and accessible to all at this link: https://schaufenster-kunst-bw.ub.uni-stuttgart.de

More information about the project can be found on the IKG website.