Christina Sauer continues the tradition of exhibitions in Leiria
Leiria. The exchange of art projects characterized the twinning of the city of Rheine with Leiria from the very beginning. Many exhibitions worth seeing were mutually initiated. Christina Sauer’s exhibition, which has now opened in the prestigious studio of the former Bank of Portugal, fits seamlessly into this tradition. “Under High Pressure” is the title of the show, which presents a small cross-section of the work of the Ibbenbüren-based designer, who for many years has been strongly rooted in Bentlage, where she led many workshops in the printing workshop. It was there that the graduate designer also learned about her love of letterpress printing.
The managing director of Kloster Bentlage GmbH, Gerrit Musekamp, described the Banco Galerie de Portugal exhibition venue as a “jewel in Leiria”. The connection between the significant architecture of the building and its use as a place for contemporary art was very successfully established. The cultural exchange between Rheine and Leiria, which has existed for more than 20 years, would be continued with this exhibition.
The artist had already had contact with the Rheiner city partners in 2005, when she participated in an international workshop in Bentlage with artists from Trakai, Leiria, Rheine and Borne. “For the exhibition on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the town twinning between Leiria and Rheine, we have now selected works that represent a selection from the beginnings to the present – a cross-section of their artistic work, so to speak. Many exhibits with direct reference to the city of Bentlage were even created there – such as two book objects. The work of Christina Sauer shows a good example of the promotion of art and culture by the city Rheine, which has taken place for over 20 years, especially in the Bentlage monastery,” said Gerrit Musekamp at the opening of the exhibition last weekend.
36 works Christina Sauer currently shows in Leiria. “You do not have so many opportunities to present themselves abroad,” says the 46-year-old artist. Guests at the exhibition opening included Leirias mayor Goncalo Lopes and the head of culture Anabella Graca. And Gerrit Musekamp took advantage of the opportunity to invite an artist from Leiria to Rheine for the year 2024.