Edgar and Michael Ende. New special exhibition

The mirror in the mirror. New special exhibition in the Hällisch-Fränkisches Museum Schwäbisch Hall

„Der Spiegel im Spiegel“ – “The mirror in the mirror” is the title of a book by Michael Ende, which he dedicated to his father Edgar (1901-1965). In it, the son tries to express with words what his father had done by the means of a painter. A number of fantastic short stories came into being that remain just as ambiguous and mysterious as the pictures of the father.

In the Exhibition in Hall, paintings and drawings by Edgar Ende, a master of fantastic and visionary art, are shown that have never before been available to the public. At the same time, books by the son are introduced. The father’s influence is recognisable not only in „Der Spiegel im Spiegel“ (The Mirror in the Mirror). From childhood the art of Edgar Ende has formed the consciousness of Michael. Roman Hocke, author and longstanding friend of Michael Ende, writes: “The spacious atelier of his father was also used as living space and split in different parts: A living room and bedroom for the family and a workspace, featuring a glass roof, for Edgar Ende. Therefore, Michael Ende grew up in a room that had no windows but where he could see the stars by night. The pictures of his father on the wall were his windows into the world.”
In a television interview, Michael Ende remarks: “I am standing on top of the image world of my father, so to speak. I have tried to continue his artistic method within my own field, meaning the way he found his images.

The exhibition is open from 11 December 2010 to 11 February 2011.