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Bundeskunsthalle announces Romy Schneider exhibition

Bundeskunsthalle (Art and Exhibition Hall) of the Federal Republic of Germany presents Romy Schneider, an exhibition on view 5 April to 24 June 2012.

Romy Schneider (Vienna, 1938 – 1982, Paris) was one of the most important and popular German-speaking actresses and inspired numerous photographers and directors. Her image is deeply ingrained in our collective memory. Having made her film debut in 1953 at the age of 15, Romy Schneider shot to fame as Sissi in the eponymous romantic biopic (1955, sequels in 1956 and 1957) about Elisabeth, Empress Consort of Austria, a role that was to haunt her, particularly in Germany. By the 1970s she had established herself as a star of French cinema, gradually escaping the crinoline cliché with films such as Christine (1958), The Swimming Pool (1968) and L’important c’est d’aimer (1974). Her last film, La Passante de Sans-Souci (The Passerby, 1982) can be read as a tragic reflection of her own life.

The exhibition addresses the different roles and the changing image of the actress as well as her presentation in the media. Images taken from her films, the press and her private life are grouped around a number of recurring motifs and combined with film clips. Media installations illustrate the interaction between projection and active self-promotion. The exhibition is complemented by a selection of film posters, costumes, correspondence, fan articles and numerous photographs of Romy Schneider, her film partners and her family. The homage seeks to shed light on Romy Schneider as a film star and private individual and to trace her fascinating career from her early roles, her courageous professional emancipation, her private tragedy, her deeply passionate nature to her untimely death.

With this exhibition the Art and Exhibition Hall continues a series of presentations devoted to film such as Luis Buñuel (1994), Marlene Dietrich (1995/96) and Anime! High Art – Pop Culture (2011). More exhibitions on film and contemporary imagery are planned.

A cooperation with the Deutsche Kinemathek, Berlin, and Akouna, Paris.

www.bundeskunsthalle.de

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