When can the exhibition be visited?

The exhibition is open on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Where does the exhibition take place?

The exhibition will be held at the Evangelical Pauluskirche, Grabenstr. 9, 44787 Bochum.

Which artists are presented?

Works by Renate von Charlottenburg and BĀLAVAT will be on display.

What can visitors expect?

The presentation combines philosophical pop art, large-format object images, lyrical-philosophical texts, and intricate pencil-ink drawings.

What is the admission price?

Admission to the event is free.

Is the exhibition covered and accessible regardless of the weather?

Yes, the exhibition takes place indoors at the Evangelical Pauluskirche.

Philosophical pop art and poetic drawings open new ways to the Absolute

Name: Exhibition: "There are many ways to approach the Absolute..."
Start: 2026-10-10T10:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-10T18:00:00+02:00
Location: Evangelische Pauluskirche

Two artistic paths in search of the Absolute

At the Evangelical Pauluskirche Bochum, Renate von Charlottenburg and BĀLAVAT meet in an extraordinary exhibition between philosophical pop art, poetic drawing, myth, and transcendence. The presentation unites two independent artistic positions that deal with the big questions of human existence and the relationship between the finite and the infinite.

Philosophical pop art meets poetic drawing

BĀLAVAT approaches the Absolute with energetic, powerful, and large-scale object images. His eye-catching and provocative visual language is accompanied by lyrical and philosophical texts. Between mundane everyday experiences and universal thoughts, image spaces arise that encourage reflection on human existence, spirituality, and the fundamental questions of humanity. Art historically, this stance can be categorized as contemporary, philosophically oriented pop art.

Renate von Charlottenburg develops an almost opposing approach. Her intricate pencil-ink drawings appear quiet, tender, and playful. Myths and fairy tales from East and West form the cultural resonance space of her works. In the meta-romantic style she has shaped, narrative finesse, humorous disruption, and art historical references to early German Romanticism are intertwined.

An aesthetic experience in sacred space

The exhibition atmosphere of the Pauluskirche creates a special framework for viewing the works. Sacred spatial effect, light, and quiet concentration enter into a dialogue with painting, drawing, object image, and installation. Colors, shapes, materials, and texts unfold not only as analytical content but as sensual experience.

After many separate exhibitions, the works of the two artists, who lived and worked in Bochum for many years, will be presented together for the first time. This juxtaposition makes the curatorial idea visible: The Absolute does not appear as a fixed answer but as an open space for thought and experience. The exhibition invites cultural education and opens new perspectives on contemporary art, romanticism, spirituality, and philosophical visual language.

Reading and moderation for the exhibition

For the opening, actor Hansa Czypionka will read the texts for BĀLAVAT's images. The evening will be moderated by philosopher and publisher Andreas Mascha. Renate von Charlottenburg will be present at the opening. BĀLAVAT, who passed away in 2019, remains present through his images and writings.

Conclusion: Art between myth, thought, and transcendence

Visitors can expect an intense artistic experience between philosophical pop art, poetic drawing, myth, and spiritual search. The juxtaposition of the two positions makes the exhibition a unique aesthetic experience in Bochum. Anyone who wants to not only view art but experience it as an open dialogue about being human and transcendence should definitely visit this exhibition live at the Pauluskirche.