Picture Wishes in the Jena Art Collection: Discover New Acquisitions

Picture Wishes: New Perspectives on the Jena Art Collection

The exhibition Picture Wishes. Acquisitions of the Jena Art Collection primarily showcases works that have been newly added to the collection in recent years. On November 10, 2026, the Jena Art Collection opens its doors for a diverse encounter with painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, and video.

A Collection in Transition

At the center lies the question of which images shape a collection and what aesthetic, societal, or personal desires are associated with the acquisition of art. The presentation makes the history of the collection experienceable as a living process: Different media, forms, and visual languages enter into an exciting dialogue.

Between Painting, Photography, and Sculpture

The exhibition connects classical and contemporary forms of expression. Painting unfolds its effect through color, composition, and surface texture, while drawing and printmaking focus on line, impression, and graphic density. Photographic works investigate perception and reality; sculptures expand the viewing experience into space. Videos complement the presentation with time, movement, and media projection.

Curatorial Farewell from Erik Stephan

With Picture Wishes, Erik Stephan bids farewell after many years from his role at the Jena Municipal Museums into retirement. His work for the Jena Art Collection has significantly shaped the perception of contemporary art in the city. The exhibition thus gains a personal and institutional dimension: It reflects on recent acquisitions while also looking back on a long-standing curatorial practice.

Art Experience and Cultural Education

The atmosphere of the exhibition invites concentrated viewing of the works. Visitors encounter a collection that not only makes art-historical connections visible but also opens questions of memory, selection, and cultural responsibility. The aesthetic experience arises from the interplay of materials, scales, and ways of perception.

The exhibition offers art enthusiasts an insightful glimpse into the development of the Jena Art Collection and the significance of museum curation. A visit promises an inspiring art experience between quiet contemplation, media diversity, and contemporary art history.

Official Channels of the Jena Art Collection:

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Sources:

• Picture Wishes. Acquisitions of the Jena Art Collection – JenaKultur
• Event Page – JenaKultur
• Event Overview of the Jena Art Collection – JenaKultur