Picturing America - Photorealism in the 1970s
Exhibit Opening at the Deutsche Guggenheim Berlin
Berlin, March 6, 2009
Chargé d'Affaires John M. Koenig
It is a great privilege and also a pleasure to attend the opening of this new exhibit “Picturing America.” Art provides an incredible opportunity to connect to the human side of people’s perceptions about moments in space and time. I would like to commend the artists whose works are on exhibit here. The works that have been chosen are very powerful and vivid representations of life in the United States in the 1970s. I would also like to congratulate the staff of the Guggenheim Berlin on putting together this wonderful exhibit -- the latest in some 50 exhibits that have been organized as the result of a unique German-American public-private partnership.
Over the course of the past 12 years, the Guggenheim Berlin has worked closely with the Deutsche Bank. The Deutsche Bank has truly been a corporate leader and cultural role model in the various endeavors it has supported to strengthen artistic institutions and provide access to works of art to a broad audience.
Mr. Habig, Mr. von Dewitz, on behalf of the Embassy, I would like to commend the Deutsche Bank for the singular contributions it has made to both the Guggenheim Berlin and other artistic projects in both Germany and the United States. The bank’s commitment and initiative has strengthened the bilateral partnership between our countries in many ways. These days, we are all challenged to find solutions to the financial crisis that has so dramatically affected global markets. There will undoubtedly be repercussions in corporate philanthropy but I hope that the Deutsche Bank, with its unique and long-standing support of the arts, will find ways to continue that commitment.
Richard Armstrong, I think that commitment very much mirrors the goals that you have defined for the Guggenheim Foundation. You have said that you want to find new ways to make the Guggenheim family of museums relevant -- especially to younger audiences. I am sure that you will have strong support from the Guggenheim Berlin and the Deutsche Bank in fulfilling these goals. Let me also add that you can count on the support of the American Embassy.
Again, congratulations to all. I am sure that this exhibit will be a great success.
As prepared for delivery.