This insight describes one of 563 public artworks in Basel. If you’d like to explore more publicly accessible artworks, browse the full dataset on data.bs. Or even better—experience them in person by booking a tour with Artstübli – Kunst und Kultur.
The mosaic 'Kennen und Erkennen' by Coghuf, located on the side wall of the University of Basel's Kollegienhaus, presents a compelling duality. As the artist's only work in this medium, it occupies a unique place in his oeuvre. Its horizontal format creates a visual tension between pure abstraction and the suggestion of recognizable forms. This interplay extends to its use of color, where bright, luminous fields contrast with dark zones, and large monochromatic areas oppose fragmented, multicolored sections. The title, translating to 'Knowing and Recognizing,' deepens this dialogue by referencing two levels of understanding, mirroring the work's own invitation to move from simple observation to deeper perception. Positioned at a university, it becomes a silent meditation on the very nature of learning and insight.
🤖 This text was generated with the assistance of AI. All quantitative statements are derived directly from the dataset listed under Data Source.