Artists in Düsseldorf-Bilk recreate works of historical masters
Nine members of the Creative Together group in Bilk successfully completed a unique project during the 2020 Corona lockdown, recreating twelve famous paintings featuring themselves in the artwork. The group, based at the Center plus Caritas, was inspired by a challenge issued by the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, which asked followers to recreate a chosen painting using only three household members.
The Bilk creators decided to take on a more ambitious task, creating twelve "new masterpieces" that showcased all nine group members at least once. These reproductions are now on display at the Center plus (Suitbertusplatz 1a) during its opening hours, and interested viewers can also purchase the artwork in calendar form.
Christine Herzog and Silke Beisel, enthusiastic participants in the project, explained the selection process. The group researched paintings online, focusing on feasible images that would resonate with the community and be suitable for the range of ages within the collective, which spans from 66 to 90. Favorites such as opulent robes worn by former emperors, kings, or cardinals were ruled out, as were nudity and depressing themes like Édouard Manet's "The Suicide."
Among the recreated masterpieces were "The Dancers" by Edgar Degas, "Mother Ey" by Otto Dix, "The Chess Players" by Honoré Daumier, "The Daughters of the Revolution" by Grant Wood, Edward Hopper's "Chop Suey," and Rudi Hurzlmeier's "The Chickens on the Park Bench." For the latter, the group had to get creative, as live chickens were unavailable. Instead, they purchased two roosters from the supermarket, decorated them, and placed them on a park bench before turning them into dinner.
Each work was meticulously and lovingly recreated in the rooms of the Center plus, with the challenge of gathering various props like books, curtains, clothing, glasses, and wigs. Sourcing some of these items, such as the orange leather gloves for "Lady - Woman - Table - Cigarette" by Franz, proved difficult.
The newly staged masterpieces received positive feedback during the vernissage. Gerti Kobarg, chairperson of the Spieloase in Bilk, praised the project, saying, "You deserve all the praise in the world." The collaboration demonstrates the transformative power of art in uniting people and enriching the creative landscape of the local community.
Overall, the "Creative Together in Bilk" project emphasizes shared culture, accessible materials, and careful selection to foster meaningful participation and resonate within the community. Such projects celebrate unity through creativity, using art as a powerful tool to bring people together.
The Creative Together group in Bilk, after successfully recreating famous paintings during the 2020 lockdown, decided to showcase their home-and-garden-inspired "new masterpieces" at the Center plus, offering interested viewers the chance to purchase the artwork as a home-and-garden calendar. The group meticulously gathered various props for their recreations, including books, curtains, and wigs, to create lifestyles reflective of the community while ensuring the artwork remained feasible for all members, aged 66 to 90.
