Uri Aran in Theatre of Speaking Objects. Works from Slg. Wilhelm Otto Nachf Collection 

Around 90 works by 38 artists have been selected for the Theatre of Speaking Objects exhibition, offering a diverse spectrum of art to be viewed in the sky-lit rooms of Kunsthalle Nürnberg. The exhibits are assigned to thematic contexts: In this way, a multimedia narrative unfolds in six different chapters, providing intimate insights into the collector’s universe and creating novel connections between the works. Incidentally, the name Slg. Wilhelm Otto Nachf. was chosen by the entrepreneur in memory of his two grandfathers, Wilhelm and Otto.

The title Theatre of Speaking Objects cites a long-term project of the same name by Czech artist Eva Koťátková, also presented in the exhibition. It deals with the isolation of those who are unable to communicate verbally and so live outside the social norm. The installation consists of a wooden shelf on the wall, on which the artist shows collages, cut-outs and photographs. Lines enclose the depicted children, adults and animals inside geometric shapes and create constricting architectures. The work is inspired by a series of sketches by Czech architect Jiři Kroha, which were produced as part of the Theatre of Things puppet theatre; Kroha developed this theatre for patients and staff in a sanatorium in Kosmonosy. In the context of the exhibition, the title functions as a universal metaphor for the exhibits on show. Although they are equally incapable of communicating verbally, they still tell fascinating stories in their own remarkable way.