The Dammann Collection comprises artworks created within the context of psychiatry, as well as other notable or unusual works by classic and international artists in the fields of Art Brut and Outsider Art. A particular focus is placed on historical works. The private collection publishes and researches these works and makes them available for exhibitions.
What began as five works grew into many, and three artists into several hundred. What started as a passion evolved over the years into an extensive collection with a distinct identity. Gerhard and Karin Dammann have been collecting together since 1996, embracing “collecting madness” as a couple. Every acquisition was preceded by an intensive deliberation. Even though they often had opposing perspectives and roles personally, they agreed on one thing: their collection has a life of its own. It knows what it needs. The pursuit of constantly discovering new artists or wonderful works by established artists was a source of fulfillment for both of them.
Since Gerhard’s death in 2020, Karin Dammann has continued collecting on her own. Guided by their shared values, she continues to carefully expand the collection. Will the collection ever be complete?
20 Years of the Museum Gugging, Klosterneuburg, Austria https://www.museumgugging.at/de/ausstellungen/20jahrekunst
50 Years of the Collection de l’art brut, Lausanne, Switzerland https://artbrut.ch/en/events/art-brut-in-switzerland-from-the-origins-of-the-collection-to-toda
open art museum, St. Gallen, Switzerland https://openartmuseum.ch/ausstellung/adelheid-duvanel/
in a nutshell
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/127677-000-A/laienkunst-art-brut-verstehen-und-bewahren/
My great-grandmother used the needlework technique of eyelet embroidery to decorate tablecloths and bed linens; Marie-Rose Lortet uses it to create imaginative houses. These delicate, airy buildings—admittedly a bit lopsided—fascinate me with their intriguing vistas.
Her works are currently on display until July 31 at the Halle Saint Pierre in Paris as part of the exhibition “L’étoffe des rêves.”
Sammlung Dammann
kontakt@sammlung-dammann.com
+41 78 6802726