VWGoA Supports t'Alibis: Sigmar Polke 1963-2010' in MoMA

NEW YORK, NY and WOLFSBURG, GERMANY - Volkswagen Group of America

• Sponsorship of one of the largest exhibitions in the history of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• Another chapter in the multi-year partnership between Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) and MoMA and MoMA PS1
• Presentation of one of the most influential artists within German post-war history

Today in New York, MoMA and VWGoA will present the program for the exhibition "Alibis: Sigmar Polke 1963-2010," which will be shown from April 19 through August 3 in the spaces of MoMA. With this singularly comprehensive exhibition the museum will be presenting the multifaceted oeuvre of a German artist who helped shape the development of contemporary art.

With the support of VWGoA, MoMA will be able to present the legacy of Sigmar Polke in all forms of media. The exposition, one of the largest one-man shows ever put together by MoMA, will include a body of work of more than 250 pieces and spanning 50 years. Film performances and various study courses will be featured in the accompanying program of this sponsored show, allowing visitors to not only explore the intentions of Sigmar Polke, but also to express themselves artistically as well.

David Geanacopoulos, Executive Vice President, General Counsel for Volkswagen Group of America: "Sigmar Polke is one of the exceptional figures of contemporary art. His singular and multi-layered style, his strong interest in new forms of expression and sources of inspiration from other areas as well as his reflection upon social issues have earned international recognition. We hope all visitors will be able to engage fruitfully with these diverse works of art, inspiring them to explore the road less taken and their own creativity."

Sigmar Polke, who died in 2010, is considered one of the most influential contemporary artists. Polke's work describes an enormous range of different techniques and materials. Apart from pictures, the New York exhibition also presents sculptures, films, prints and glass objects created by the artist. The topical spectrum of his oeuvre was equally expansive, a distinguishing attribute having been the experiences of his travels as well as his critical and often ironic view of German history and modern politics.

Volkswagen Group of America (VWGoA) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Since 2011, VWGoA has cultivated a close partnership with MoMA and MoMA PS1. Within the framework of the cooperation extending until 2015, exhibitions and educational initiatives will be supported as well as a series of installations in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden of MoMA.

Beginning 2010, MoMA has also been offering art and culture courses through the Internet. These online courses, supported by VWGoA, are focused on extending art experiences beyond the museum spaces via different media with an international public. Since the inception of the partnership, the MoMA team has significantly expanded the course offerings and increased the number of participants tenfold. By now, people interested in art from over 80 countries have taken part in these courses. Sponsoring cultural exchange in this innovative manner is a key objective in the long-term cooperation between the VWGoA and MoMA.

Thanks to the support of VWGoA, in 2012 the VW Dome 1 in the courtyard of MoMA PS1 was erected, making more events possible. This building is the venue for the weekly "Sunday Sessions," a rich artistic program with light, sound and music installations as well as readings and performances.

Another facet of the partnership with VWGoA is the support of exhibitions in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden of MoMA. The sculpture garden, which was created by Philip Johnson in 1953, is one of the favored, green recreational spots in the heart of Manhattan.

This cooperation with the renowned museum is part of the international art and culture activities of the Volkswagen Group. The purpose is sharing art with the general public, offering experiences and the possibility to discover creative impulses and, thus, creating the basis for innovation and progress.