The Westfälischer Kunstverein (founded in 1831) is undertaking an “inventory” of all its annual editions produced since 1840, a process that will entail the sorting, documenting and preparation of the editions anew for the Kunstverein’s archive and website. The issuing of so-called “Jahresgaben”, i.e. annual editions by young artists offered exclusively to members at affordable prices, is one of the characteristics of a Kunstverein. The proceeds from the sale of these editions are divided up between the Kunstverein and the artists. Thus, both parties benefit whereas the members themselves have an opportunity to participate actively in the life of art and its market.

Unfolding the history of the Kunstverein, the inventory of its editions will be accompanied by artist Inga Krüger. On four occasions, she will present a performative interpretation of her impressions.

In the run up to the exhibition itself, the Kunstverein will only be open on Thursdays when talks will be held. The inventory itself – the progress of which can be observed from week to week – will culminate in an exhibition that will present all extant annual editions, ultimately providing an overview of both the history of the Westfälischer Kunstverein and art history in general. At the same time, an unusual parallelism arises on the one hand between those (perhaps unjustly) forgotten positions and established artists in the art market (such as Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke or Katharina Fritsch), and really recent, innovative artworks as well as young artists (such as Camille Henrot or Simon Denny) on the other – united here by their mutual association with the Westfälischer Kunstverein.

„Inventory“ is developed by Jenni Henke, Anne Krönker, and Kristina Scepanski.