Eberhard Havekost: 1996 – 2006 The Rubell Family Collection

The works of German artist Eberhard Havekost are currently showcased in the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Arts Complex from February 22 – March 31. This intriguing showcase of art originates from one of the leading art collections in the world. This display of cutting-edge modern 20th century artwork ingenuity is sure to intrigue art lovers or just curious minds. What is so significant about the art being displayed? The oeuvres showcased come from the Rubell Family Collection in Miami, Florida which is amongst the top 200 collectors of the world. Significant artists such as Paul McCarthy, Jeff Koons, Yasumasa Morimura, Keith Haring, Charles Ray, Philip Taaffe, Paul Morrison and Havekost are all featured in the collection.

Several significant artists are chosen and make it to the world renowned Rubell Family Collection. Dresden born artist Eberhard Havekost is one of these artists. His featured paintings in the Florida Gulf Coast University Art Gallery, date from 1996-2006. The modern oeuvres displayed in the art complex focus in on the relationship between photography and painting. The contrast between the artist’s techniques and the subject are highlighted in Havekost’s works.

Havekost’s clever ingenuity originates from videos or photos that become transformed into paintings. Simple familiar objects that evoke the idealized but then become subtly distorted. With a contemporary fresh approach, Havekost is able to take a mundane object and give it another dimension through his art. The multi-faceted dimensions of art are unveiled to the audience through the artist’s choice of simplistic and minimalist objects and subjects, all the while demonstrating the pure artistic skill as the essential aspect of art. Techniques in lighting, distortion of pictures, and what Havekost describes as “to let a painting look as if it weren’t painted” are what this particular exhibition demonstrates.

In an interview with the Rubell Family Collection Curator, Mark Coetzee, Havekost claimed that “Photography is a medium that restricts reality and it is a ‘guest medium’ for the image as is painting.” This is apparent in his artwork as he is able to transmit an unconventional way of looking at something so common. Subtle alterations and unrealistic tones convey non-traditional methods. Photographs have been altered in color with artificial hues, faces have been blurred or blacked out, suggesting the erratic and are able to create a new way of perceiving the familiar.

The Rubell Family Collection housed in a 45,000 square foot warehouse, which was a former DEA drug warehouse, is located in Miami. This location helps to create a curious environment for the intensely graphic contemporary collection of artwork. The ever-expanding collection now estimates at 6,000 works from all over the world. The collection ranges with pieces from the 1960s to the present, and carries a variety of different artists and artwork. Do not miss out on your chance to listen to the Rubells describe their experience as the world’s top leading art collectors this month only at FGCU!



A unique opportunity to listen to the world’s top art collectors will take place at the Florida Gulf Coast University’s Art Gallery on March 21st at 3:00 pm. Audiences will be able to attend a gallery talk with none other than Don and Mera Rubell. The Rubells will touch upon the world of art collecting, their personal family collection, expansions and developments overtime, as well as the extraordinary artists and art that are featured in the intriguing modern 20th century Rubell Family Collection. Please RSVP by calling Anica Sturdivant, Assistant Curator at (239) 590-7199. This special occasion is welcome to all!