Conversations with Curators

Jonathan David Katz on The First Homosexuals at Kunstmuseum in Basel

01 May 2026

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The First Homosexuals - The Birth of New Identities 1869–1939 (March 7–August 2, 2026, Kunstmuseum Basel | Neubau) The exhibition The First Homosexuals: The Birth of New Identities 1869–1939 at the Kunstmuseum Basel turns the spotlight on the early visibility of same-sex desire and gender diversity in the arts. Through around eighty paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and photographs, it illuminates how new visions of sexuality, gender, and identity took shape from 1869, the year the word "homosexual" first appeared in print. The multifaceted presentation frames perspectives on queer communities, intimate portraits, bold life choices, coded desires, and colonial entanglements. The exhibition was first organized by Alphawood Exhibitions at Wrightwood 659, Chicago, where it was researched and curated by Jonathan D. Katz, curator, and Johnny Willis, associate curator. It was adapted for the Kunstmuseum Basel in collaboration with the curators Rahel Müller and Len Schaller. The term "homosexual" first came into use in the German-speaking world in 1869 and underwent a substantial shift over the following decades. The debate over what the word designated ranged from a universal capacity for same-sex desire to the conception of a "third sex." Stories from Museums of Switzerland: Podcast Interview Series with Museum Curators Our podcast series, Conversations with Curators, brings listeners a collection of audio stories that go beyond travel to explore the soul of Switzerland as an art capital. In this series, we focus on in-depth interviews with museum curators across the country. Hear firsthand about their institutions, the histories behind their collections, and the unique perspectives they bring to preserving Swiss culture. From intimate conversations about curatorial choices to behind-the-scenes insights into exhibitions, every episode captures the voices shaping Switzerland's cultural landscape. Alongside museums, we also feature stories about Swiss cities, iconic brands, and the rich traditions that make the country unique. In the first season, "Conversations with Curators," celebrates the legacy of Basel's museums. Nestled within just 42 square kilometers, Basel is home to nearly 40 museums—making it a true city of art and culture. In this series, we sit down with curators from across the museums of the city to explore the stories behind the collections, the ideas shaping exhibitions, and the passion that keeps Basel's museums alive. From world-renowned institutions to hidden gems, from the largest to the smallest, join us as we uncover the voices behind the art and heritage that make Basel a museum capital of not just Switzerland, but Europe. Discover Switzerland through the eyes of those who safeguard its heritage—one interview at a time. Image Credits: Titel: Retrato de un anticuario o Retrato de Chucho Reyes y autorretrato | Künstler:in & Beteiligte: Roberto Montenegro | Entstehungszeit: 1926 | Creditline: Colección Pérez Simón Follow Conversation With Curators, wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Website

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13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

01 Jan 1970

Fin de Semana

2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

01 Jan 1970

El Partidazo de COPE

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Conversations with Curators

Jonathan David Katz on The First Homosexuals at Kunstmuseum in Basel

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other recent transcribed episodes

13:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

10:00H | 21 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

12:00H | 20 DIC 2025 | Fin de Semana

2ª PARTE | 06 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 22 ENE 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

3ª PARTE | 04 MAR 2026 | EL PARTIDAZO DE COPE

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