faz.net
Bayer Auctions €5 Million Art Collection Amidst Work Style Changes
Bayer AG is auctioning over 800 art pieces from its collection, valued at roughly €5 million, due to a shift in work style (mobile work, open offices), thefts, and a perceived mismatch between its modern image and the German Expressionist works. The auction, managed by Philipp von Württemberg, takes place in Cologne and Stuttgart in June, with proceeds benefiting regional cultural initiatives.
- What factors prompted Bayer to auction off a significant portion of its art collection, and what are the immediate consequences of this decision?
- Bayer, a German chemical and pharmaceutical company, is auctioning off over 800 art pieces from its collection, valued at around €5 million. The auction, facilitated by Philipp von Württemberg, includes Asian art, classical modern works, and contemporary pieces, taking place in Cologne and Stuttgart in early June. This divestiture follows a shift in Bayer's corporate identity and work style, impacting the demand for its in-house art collection.
- What broader implications does Bayer's sale have for the future of corporate art collecting and the evolving relationship between businesses and cultural artifacts?
- Bayer's auction signals a broader trend among corporations reevaluating the role and value of art collections in a rapidly changing work environment. The sale's proceeds will be used for regional cultural support, suggesting a transition from internal use to external contribution. This shift highlights the evolving relationship between businesses and art, moving away from traditional notions of corporate prestige towards a more flexible, economically driven approach.
- How does Bayer's decision reflect changes in corporate culture and working environments, and what historical context informs the company's prior relationship with art?
- The sale reflects Bayer's adaptation to modern work environments—mobile work and open-plan offices—leading to reduced demand for its art collection. The company also cites thefts of Asian art and a disconnect between its modern image and the German Expressionist works in its possession. This decision marks a departure from the historical role of corporate art collections, which previously served purposes of self-promotion and employee engagement.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing focuses heavily on the narrative of Bayer AG's decision to sell its art collection, explaining the various motivations behind this choice. This emphasis implicitly frames the story around the company's business decisions and pragmatic reasons. While the history of the collection and its founder, Carl Duisberg, is mentioned, the overall focus remains on the sale itself and the company's rationale. The headline (if there was one) would likely contribute to this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and informative. However, phrases such as "mixed character," describing Carl Duisberg, and descriptions of his actions during World War I subtly imply a negative judgment. The description of Max Beckmann's painting as indirectly reminding of the "dark time" of IG Farben is also potentially loaded. The term 'Industrieadel' (industrial nobility) implies a certain degree of social criticism without explicitly stating it.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Bayer AG art collection sale, mentioning the reasons behind the sale (changes in work style, theft, and the art's perceived lack of relevance to the company's image). However, it omits discussion of the potential impact this sale might have on Bayer's public image, employee morale, or the broader cultural landscape. The article also doesn't explore alternative solutions to the space constraints or security issues, such as improved storage facilities or different display methods. There's no mention of the criteria used to select pieces for sale versus those kept.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by implying that modern art is either 'innovative and relevant' or 'not innovative and irrelevant.' This oversimplifies the complex relationship between art, corporate identity, and cultural value. The article also presents a somewhat simplistic view of the reasons for the sale, focusing primarily on practical issues like space and security and downplaying potential deeper motivations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The sale of Bayer's art collection, with proceeds going to regional cultural promotion, can contribute to reducing inequalities by supporting cultural initiatives that benefit communities and individuals who might not otherwise have access to them. This aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality within and among countries.