Art Summer at Wertheim Castle: Arising – a thematic exhibition reinterpreting illustrations by Gustave Doré
When Axel Schöber invited me to reinterpret Gustave Doré’s famous illustration “Judith Presenting the Head of Holofernes”, neither he nor I had any idea that this would be the starting point for an extensive body of work.
A first triptych from the “Judith is singing” series is now on display as part of the exhibition Entsprungen – Arising – a thematic exhibition reinterpreting illustrations by Gustave Doré, running from August 13 – September 27, 2026 at the Wertheim Castle.
Entsprungen – Arising
August 13 – September 27, 2026
A thematic exhibition reinterpreting illustrations by Gustave Doré and related biblical passages, focusing on “Judith Presenting the Head of Holofernes”, “The Tower of Babel” and “Noah’s Ark”.
The group exhibition “Entsprungen – Arising” is dedicated to the illustrations of the French artist Gustave Doré, who created the monumental Bible edition “La Grande Bible de Tours” in the 19th century. Three specific motifs are at the center of today’s exploration: Judith and Holofernes, the Tower of Babel, and Noah’s Ark. Over 20 artists from Germany and abroad are participating in the exhibition. The selection includes both regional and international artists and employs a variety of media. Painting, sculpture, lithography, prints, and sound installations engage in a dialogue with one another. This diversity offers a multi-perspective view of the historical narratives and translates biblical themes into the present day.
Axel Schöber (Art-isotope, founded 2000) has organized over 100 exhibitions and represented his artists at numerous art fairs. With this year’s exhibitions at Wertheim Castle, the gallery is sending a clear signal about the importance of contemporary art in rural areas and strengthening the region’s cultural profile. The selection of participants was made in collaboration with Professor Dr. Gerhard Kilger from Wilhelmsfeld (near Heidelberg). Kilger, a physicist and lithography expert, served as director of the DASA in Dortmund for many years and received the Senefelder Prize in 2023.
www.art-isotope.de
Participating artists:
Antes, Aaron • Bremer, Tanja • De Vocht, Yves • Feser, Kathrin • Fuchs, Adrian • Gros, Sieglinde • Gubik, Dr. Ulrike • Heyer, Kathrin • Jaxy, Constantin • Klerx, Simone • Kruser, Nina • Liermann, Renato • Lucker, Thomas • Murakami, Julia • Römhild, Kerstin • Schiefer, Welf • Schneider, Ilka • Schneider, Roul • Smildziņa, Ilze • Szvath, Zsuzsa • Vega, Antje • von Streng, Rubica • Voss, Reinhard • Werner, André
Art Summer at Wertheim Castle: Entsprungen – Arising
Wertheim Castle, Neues Archiv, Schlossgasse 11, 97877 Wertheim
www.burgwertheim.de
Preview: Thursday, August 13, 6:00 PM
Opening Reception: Sunday, August 16, 11:30 AM
Welcome Remarks: Birgit Väth, Deputy Mayor of the City of Wertheim
Introduction: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kilger, Wilhelmsfeld (near Heidelberg)
Opening hours
Thursday: 2:30 PM – 7:30 PM,
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Small groups / guided tours by arrangement.