Modernism in Changing Times: Works from 1968

The exhibition Modernism in Changing Times: Works From 1968 (August 30, 2013 to January 24, 2014) presents the Bechtler collection from a purely chronological perspective. In the collection, 1968 represents a blend of media, objective, style, nationality and scale that is an indicator of the breadth of interest and the commitment to risk taking demonstrated by the Bechtler family as collectors.

Featured are 101 works of sculpture, painting, prints, artist books and textiles. The show touches on some of the major art movements of 1968 such as Pop and Op art and introduces a number of works that have not been on view in the museum before by David Hockney, Marc Chagall, Lynn Chadwick, Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso and other artists.

Figurative works are a predominant theme. More than 50 pieces in the show illustrate references to the real world and particularly to the human figure. Of special interest in the exhibition are thematic artworks related to literature. Woodcut prints by Max Gubler are based on the Ernest Hemingway novel The Old Man and the Sea and linocuts by Hansjürg Brunner are based on the 19th century novella The Black Spider.

David Hockney Ossie and Mo, 1968 etching in black (edition of 75) 19 ½ x 19 ¾ © David Hockney

Victor Vasarely Tridem K, 1968 acrylic on canvas 79 x 59 1/8 in © 2013 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

Lynn Chadwick Two Dancing Figures, 1968 lithograph on paper 16 3/4 x 25 7/16 in © The estate of Lynn Chadwick

Pablo Picasso Untitled, 1966 aquatint and etching on paper 19 1/16 x 14 15/16 in © 2013 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York