1910: Portrait of a Year
An investigation of Expressionism and New Classicism, two defining artistic currents.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
(1880-1938)
Fränzi with Bow and Arrow, 1910
Oil on canvas
Private Collection
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
(1880-1938)
Fränzi with Bow and Arrow, 1910
Oil on canvas
Private Collection
“1910: Portrait of a Year” investigates two defining artistic currents: Expressionism and New Classicism. These diametrically opposed impulses, one driven by ebullient hedonism, and the other by cerebral restraint, together shaped the major artistic achievements of the era. 1910 stands out as a pivotal year, when these contrasting impulses entered a dynamic and fertile dialogue.
The exhibition will begin with an introductory gallery highlighting key cultural and historical events in 1910, as well as technical innovations, and consider their impact on the fine arts. Next, the visitor will enter a gallery dedicated to an exploration of subdued colors, rigorous structure, and intellectual order. The most prominent manifestation of this approach is the development of Cubism. Modernist themes, such as the city and new technologies, existed side-by-side with traditional subjects, as artists sought to reclaim a lost utopia by adopting the language of classical austerity. The concluding gallery will focus on the opposite side of the spectrum, the countertrend distinguished by the triumph of Expressionism and the emergence of Futurism. This is characterized by an intensified use of strong color and an increasing embrace of abstract elements to convey the dynamism of modernity.
This multidisciplinary show will include approximately 60 works borrowed from both domestic and international lenders.
“1910: Portrait of a Year” is organized by Neue Galerie New York. The show is co-curated by Expressionism scholar Jill Lloyd and Janis Staggs, Director of Curatorial at Neue Galerie New York. Lloyd and Staggs have individually curated numerous exhibitions and were jointly co-curators of “Ernst Ludwig Kirchner,” the highly acclaimed 2019 monographic exhibition.
LEARN MORE
Exhibition Catalogue (Coming Soon)
The exhibition will be accompanied by a richly illustrated publication edited by Jill Lloyd and Janis Staggs, with contributions by Philipp Blom, Jill Lloyd and Janis Staggs, and a foreword by Ronald S. Lauder and Renée Price.
Explore the Digital Guide (Coming Soon)
Hear curatorial insights on key works in the exhibition.