Opening of the Willikens exhibition: A look into empty rooms!

Opening of the Willikens exhibition: A look into empty rooms!

Last Friday, a special exhibition was opened in the Altes Rathaus Musberg gallery, showing the early works of the renowned artist Ben Willikens. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the city of Leinfelden-Echterdingen, visitors can expect a fascinating look back at the creative period of the painter, who worked in a studio in the Oberaichen district from 1968 to 1975. At this opening, which was accompanied by EBM Benjamin Dihm, the guests listened to the artist's anecdotes and stories. The event was a celebration of art and community, with former mayor Eckard Laible, who once supported Willikens in Oberaichen, also in attendance. [Leinfelden-Echterdingen.de].

The exhibition includes 44 works created during Willikens' time in Oberaichen and showcases a variety of artistic techniques, including works on canvas, paper and prints. These works of art, which are already part of the city's collection, offer a unique insight into the artist's development and reflect both biographical and existential questions. In his paintings, Willikens often uses gray tones that reflect the cool distance and anonymity of his life so far. According to Altes Rathaus Musberg, entry to the exhibition remains until August 10, 2025, and opening times are Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Another look at artistic creation

Willikens’ works move in a field of tension between emptiness and presence. The anonymity of the spaces depicted in his images is not accidental. In 1969, the artist became seriously ill and spent almost a year in a clinic, which had a lasting impact on his artistic development. These experiences led him to view spaces not just as backdrops, but as allegories of human moods and states. The Ruzicska shows that Willikens is often perceived as a painter of empty spaces characterized by uniform surfaces and gentle color gradients. In his new works in the “Archaeology of Silence” series, the focus is on people and their spatial environments.

The works in the current exhibition include not only surrealist drawings, but also early drafts of “counterspaces”. The innovative play with colors and compositions often requires viewers to take a new, fragmented look at everyday objects such as beds, lamps and sinks. This brings a very personal touch to the works and reflects Willikens' own experiences with isolation and coming to terms with reality, which raises many profound questions.

The vernissage took place on June 27, 2025 at 5 p.m. and marks the start of a cultural exchange that is characterized by the cooperation between the Leinfelden-Echterdingen Cultural Office and the Altes Rathaus Musberg Gallery. A limited edition of the image motif “Institutional Lounger No. 1” and an accompanying catalog are also offered, which will further captivate art lovers.

For those interested in art and anyone who would like to embark on a journey of discovery, the opportunity to experience the valuable works of Ben Willikens in the heart of Musberg remains until August 10, 2025. Definitely worth a visit!