Beyond Fame

Die Kunst der Stars

August 18 2023 – January 21 2024

Exhibition View, Photo: Andreas Endermann

Artists:

Bryan Adams, Meret Becker, Tim Bendzko, Carlito (Cro), Samy Deluxe, Anna Delvey, Lea Draeger, Peter Doherty, Harald Glööckler, Grimes, Josephine Henning, Anton Hofreiter, Isis-Maria Niedecken, Edi Rama, Jean-Remy von Matt, Michael Stich, Laura Tonke and Gedeon Schenkt

The exhibition is curated by Alain Bieber, artistic director of the NRW-Forum Düsseldorf.

Meret Becker vor ihrem Werk in der Ausstellung, Foto: Andreas Endermann

Peter Doherty in his exhibition room, Photo: Andreas Endermann

Michael Stich in his exhibition room, Photo: Andreas Endermann

#BEYONDFAME

230817 beyond fame andreas endermann 229

Exhibition View Grimes, Photo: Andreas Endermann

The paths that have led these personalities from the worlds of acting, sport, politics, music and literature to art are just as individual as they are.

The exhibition presents in painting, photography, video and installation the works of the stars, whose artistic medium is often unexpected and surprising, but often intrinsically linked to their own biographies.

Exhibition View Josephine Henning, Photo: Andreas Endermann

Exhibition View Samy Deluxe, Photo: Andreas Endermann

Exhibition View Bryan Adams, Photo: Andreas Endermann

Exhibition View Lea Draeger, Photo: Andreas Endermann

The artists on display all share years of intensive engagement with art, although many of them did not attend art school and instead began as self-taught artists. This selection of works reflects the trend towards universal artists who write, paint, sing, take photographs and like to transcend conventional formats.

Exhibition View Cro, Photo: Andreas Endermann

In addition to personal insights and surprising perspectives on well-known figures, the exhibition also holds up a mirror to visitors: upon encountering the works, viewers cannot help but realise how strongly they are influenced by media stereotypes of celebrities, how much they guide their own perceptions, and how many of our own desires and fantasies we project onto famous people.

Exhibition View Peter Doherty, Photo: Andreas Endermann

Exhibition View Jean-Remy von Matt, Photo: Andreas Endermann

Who is Gedeon Schenkt? Photo: Andreas Endermann

Under the pseudonym Gedeon Schenkt, a celebrity is part of the exhibition whose identity has not yet been revealed. Are you ready to solve the riddle and uncover which well-known public figure is hiding behind it?

Hints will be posted on our social media channels @nrwforum and you can participate on site in the exhibition.

All correct answers will be entered into a prize draw in mid-December to win the following prizes: