Following the close of the Potsdam exhibition about the life’s work of the queer designer Wolfgang Joop (81), his team is examining whether the show could be staged in another city. So far, there have been four proposals from Germany and the German-speaking world, Joop’s life partner Edwin Lemberg, who organized the exhibition, told the German press agency. “We’re looking to keep it going.”
Lemberg also addressed a suggestion raised by attendees: might Joop’s hometown of Potsdam host a permanent presentation of his work? “I would be pleased,” Lemberg said. “That’s certainly not a mistake. The people of Potsdam would welcome it.”
The first comprehensive exhibition of Joop’s life’s work was shown at Kunstraum Potsdam — a gallery-like space. According to the city, more than 25,000 visitors came in just under six weeks (TheColu.mn reported).
The retrospective, which ended on November 18, showcased Joop’s fashion, numerous sketches and illustrations, but also his works as a painter and sculptor. The designer, who has lived in Potsdam for years with Lemberg, is regarded as a creative all-around talent.
Many visitors were deeply touched by the exhibition, which presented Joop’s work without a lot of explanatory text, Lemberg said. “We could not be happier,” was already heard at the show’s midpoint.
Hamburg and New York were important milestones in Joop’s life. Potsdam, however, where he was born on a farm near Sanssouci Park, is what he calls his place of longing.
