Through the exhibition schön & streng (beautiful & austere) and its accompanying catalog, the Von der Heydt-Museum explores the function and significance of ornamentation in art from classical modernism to the present day. 

At the beginning of the 20th century, many artists made color and form the central themes of their work. In this context, repetitions and patterns serve not only a decorative function, but also express a desire to unite the simple and the complex in a coherent manner. Simultaneously, seemingly decorative forms were used to raise critical questions about the times and society because every ornament has its own history and unique meaning. 

Ornaments’ origin and function have been attributed to textile art, as well as the need to enliven surfaces, spaces, objects, and architecture. However, Adolf Loos considered lavishly decorated architecture and everyday objects detrimental because, to him, the modern form itself had to satisfy the aesthetic demands of his time. 

While artists such as Henri Matisse and August Macke used patterned wallpaper, fabrics, and carpets as exotic ornamentation in their paintings, contemporary artists like Nevin Aladağ draw on traditional ornaments from specific cultural circles to convey socially critical messages. 

Accordingly, the publication covers a wide range of topics and interpretations. These include ornament as a decorative element, which can be playful or austere, as well as its serial and abstract applications in Concrete Art and Op Art. The publication also addresses contemporary questions regarding the representational and communicative functions of patterns and ornaments in the context of converging cultural spheres.