German art began probably much earlier than anyone can imagine. When someone gave vent to his or her creativity, a work of art took place for anyone to view. Many of these pieces were protected and still exist in Germany.
From the modern German paintings of current artists to older works from decades ago, many are available for touring at various museums and galleries around the country. History records artist in Germany from the medieval times. Even the 16th century sported some incredible works.
The German Renaissance was inspired from the Italian Renaissance, and artists from Germany traveled to Italy to learn more. Albrecht Dürer lived in Nuremberg in the 1500s and was a well-known painter and engraver.
Later a new form of art grew. The Düsseldorf Academy inspired its followers in the Nazarene movement. The painters influenced by this school attempted to achieve honesty and a special spirituality in Christian art.
In 1911, a group was formed in Munich called the Blue Rider. One of the artists in this group had a painting rejected from an exhibition, and other artists gathered together to support his style of painting. Wassily Kandinsky favored the color blue, feeling it was the color of spirituality.
German art honors such brave and creative souls such as Kandinsky. You can view two of his works (Landschaft mit Kircheat and Der Blaue Reiter) at the Folkwang Museum in Essen.
Expressionist painting ran its course and in the 1920s an opposition sprang up. This formed the post-expressionist period which concentrated on simplified forms of pictorial art as well as music and architecture.
The hardest times were during the Nazi era when that regime banned modern art. Avant-garde artists were branded a threat and sometimes exiled. They lost their reputations and thus their ability to live.
In 1937, there were only two approved artists who were officially approved by the Nazis, Arno Breker and Adolf Wissel. They weren’t very successful with their popularity with the general public, however.
German Art Today
German art today is filled with talented artists communicating their messages to the world. The most popular of artists display their work all over the world in famous galleries and museums.
One of the most popular currently is Gerhard Richter. He is famous for his abstracts where he builds them up with layers of color. His paintings fill the need for some art that you can relate to, despite the twists and turns he takes.
George Baselitz is famous for his expressionist paintings and his upside down paintings. He makes large carved sculptures as well. You will find exhibitions of his works by searching online.
You can go to see the unusual artist, Anselm Kiefer, who uses mixed media such as straw, clay and lead. His works are on display at Kunstmuseum in both Bonn and Wolfsburg. The talent of this artist offers inspiration to any who view it.
As you search out current exhibitions of those artists you most want to see, make it a point to create an itinerary that will allow you the maximum time to enjoy your art tour. Absorb the culture and new ideas presented at each period of German history.
Visiting Germany for a German art tour to see German artists can be such an uplifting experience. It’s special time never to be forgotten by anyone, young or old, rich or poor.
