Ink meets ink wash. Inkwells and ink wash drawings.

Ink meets ink wash. Inkwells and ink wash drawings.

Ink and ink wash combine writing and drawing – they capture thoughts, tell stories and bring ideas to life. The exhibition ‘Ink Meets Ink Wash: Inkwells and Ink Drawings’ at the Couven Museum brings together artistically designed Art Nouveau writing instruments from the collection of Dr Julius Rohm with ink drawings by the Aachen-based artist Stephan Wunsch, created especially for the exhibition.
Around 70 historic inkwells and writing sets from the collection of Dr Julius Rohm, which were donated to the Zons District Museum, offer an insight into the fascinating variety of forms characteristic of Art Nouveau around 1900. These artistically designed objects demonstrate how closely function and design were intertwined during this period. Floral ornaments, natural motifs, mythological figures and technical innovations reflect Art Nouveau’s desire to enrich everyday life through art. The writing instruments produced by the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) in particular illustrate how everyday objects were transformed into works of art.
The historical objects are juxtaposed with Stephan Wunsch’s ink drawings. Inspired by the shapes and motifs of the inkwells, as well as by the unique atmosphere of the Couven Museum, the artist creates richly detailed visual worlds featuring people, animals and hybrid creatures. His works explore themes associated with writing implements whilst simultaneously opening up new symbolic interpretations – such as those relating to time, transience, elegance and imagination.

The exhibition invites visitors to rediscover ink and sumi: as materials that go far beyond their practical function and become means of expression for memories, creativity and artistic narratives.

A collaboration with the Zons District Museum, Dormagen.

Couven Museum
Hühnermarkt 17, 52062 Aachen
www.couven-museum.de
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Tue - Wed 1 p.m - 5 p.m.
Thu - Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.