Katharina Grosse: The Sprayed Dear

The Staatsgalerie Stuttgart cordially invites you to the Great State Exhibition 2025, for the first time focusing on the extraordinary three-dimensional work of Katharina Grosse. Born in Freiburg im Breisgau in 1961, the artist is internationally renowned for her unique, spatial paintings. The exhibition offers a first comprehensive overview of her up to now unknown plastic and sculptural work, shedding light on the beginnings of the internationally renowned painter—from the 1980s to the present day.

Grosse transcends the boundaries of two-dimensionality and doesn‘t only paint traditional canvases, but also entire rooms, facades and landscapes. Her experimental approach creates immersive experiences. The highlight of the exhibition is a site-specific installation created especially for the domed hall of the Kunstgebäude, which allows visitors to experience Grosse’s art immersively.

For almost three decades, Grosse has been using the spray technique to paint her bright, vibrant images across canvases, interior and exterior spaces and various objects such as stones, wood and furniture. Sculptural forms made of aluminum, bronze and polystyrene are transformed into vibrant, dynamic compositions through the integration of colors and natural materials such as wood. The exhibition at the Kunstgebäude at Schlossplatz—right in the center of the capital of Baden-Württemberg – is the first to show her early works from the 1980s through to the latest sculptures and in situ works. Staatsgalerie Stuttgart addresses this oversight by showcasing the incredible breadth of Grosse’s three-dimensional oeuvre to life in an impressive way – from the early material experiments from her student days at the Düsseldorf Art Academy to her most recent works.

Great State Exhibition of the state of Baden-Württemberg. Under the Patronage of Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg. A cooperation between Staatsgalerie Stuttgart and Studio Katharina Grosse.