Celebrating 20 Years of Art: The Exciting 'Selfish in Bed' Exhibition

Hey there, art enthusiasts! Get ready to mark your calendars because the Julia Stoschek Collection is throwing a fabulous celebration for its 20th anniversary with a brand new exhibition titled Selfish in Bed. Opening on April 10, 2027, in Düsseldorf, Germany, this exhibition promises to be a thrilling journey through the complexities of identity, sexuality, and self-expression. Can you believe it’s been two decades since this remarkable collection began?

The exhibition will feature 52 thought-provoking works by 43 talented artists, including big names like Tracey Emin, Bill Viola, Wolfgang Tillmans, and Bruce Nauman. The title comes from a cheeky self-portrait by British artist Sarah Lucas, who stands confidently in a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “SELFISH IN BED.” This playful yet powerful image sets the tone for the show, inviting us to explore the intricate dynamics of our personal lives.

Curated by Krist Gruijthuijsen, who has a fantastic background in contemporary art, Selfish in Bed will delve into how we shape our identities in today’s interconnected world. The bed serves as a central motif—a space that represents both vulnerability and intimacy, where we often find ourselves scrolling through social media and reflecting on our self-image. It’s a setting rich with contradictions, making it the perfect backdrop for this exciting exhibition.

Among the many highlights, you can expect to see works that challenge societal norms and provoke thought. For instance, Tracey Emin’s Why I Never Became a Dancer and Monica Bonvicini’s Destroy She Said both tackle themes of femininity and societal expectations. The exhibition will also include stunning installations and immersive environments, featuring video projections and mirrored surfaces, truly bringing to life the human experience from birth onwards.

As Julia Stoschek herself reflects on this milestone, she expresses her emotional connection to art, saying, “An artwork has to get under my skin. I need images that stay with me.” With over 1,000 works in her collection, this anniversary is a moment of reflection and celebration of a journey that has undoubtedly enriched the art world.

So, whether you’re an art lover or just curious about contemporary themes, make sure to check out Selfish in Bed when it opens next year! It’ll be running until December 19, 2027, and you won’t want to miss the opening reception on April 9. Here’s to 20 years of art and expression—let the celebrations begin!