During the exhibition period at Villa Hügel, the dialogues that emerged from 21x21 between the individual artworks can be viewed in various themed rooms, which, for example, focus on the feminine or the keyword "dynamics".

And even online, 21x21 presents itself with an elaborately designed exhibition. Fine lines connect the artworks here – initially all those selected by the museums as "the one" that best represents their institution. These images are referred to by the curator team as "Impulse Images". The Impulse Images already show what celebrities the Ruhr area has to offer: Whether Gabriele Münter, Günther Uecker, August Macke, or Anatol Herzfeld. The images are as diverse as the museums themselves. If you click on one of the artworks, for example, on the image of a 60s TV, pierced by several nails on one side, a series of other artworks that relate to this Uecker sculpture opens up. Here, you might find a brightly colored screen print from the Kunstmuseum Mülheim an der Ruhr by Eduardo Paolozzi – just as Uecker is known for the alienation of everyday objects.

Another reaction image comes from the Museum Kuppersmühle for Modern Art. Here, you need to look more closely to understand the connection to Uecker's television: Fine strings protrude from this image "The Listener" created by Gerhard Hoehme. Thus, the Museum Kuppersmühle also refers to the use of everyday objects for art. The Ludwiggalerie Schloss Oberhausen takes a different approach with its reaction image "Mother and Daughter" by Gerhard Richter. It depicts the film icon Brigitte Bardot and her mother, who seem to be moving towards each other arm in arm. "Although the works of Richter and Uecker, who studied together at the Art Academy in Düsseldorf, could not be more different, both engage with media culture," states the explanation from the Ludwiggalerie.

Thus, with each click on an Impulse Image, a new world opens up, and with each click on the reaction image, another layer of art and dialogue. To get to know not only the matches but also the museums better, a visit to the Essen Villa Hügel is worthwhile. From here, shuttle rides to lesser-known museums are offered on Saturdays, which showcase more renowned artists in their collections. And those who still need to find the right museum for themselves should not miss the museum match at 21x21.de – here, every pot finds its lid or rather: every color its canvas.