Emil Nolde. In Search of the Authentic

The biggest presentation of Nolde’s artworks ever exhibited in the National Gallery. Nolde is one of the major figures of the expressionist artistic movement in Germany. He was in the heart of the German and European art scenes from the beginning of 20th century until World War II. Press day is October 11th. Opening is on October 12 th and the exhibition last untill Januray 20th 2013.

Nolde is one of the major figures of the expressionist artistic movement in Germany. He was in the heart of the German and European art scenes from the beginning of 20th century until World War II. In 1906 he was invited to join Brücke, an association of Dresden-based Expressionist artists who admired his “storm of colors”.

This exhibition is an unique opportunity to get to know the painter’s portraits, lush floral motifs, flourishing gardens and tranquil landscapes. His unique style reveals his growing dissatisfaction with contemporary Western society and its alienation.

Art from that time was characterized for the discovery and influences of Non-Western art as well known as “primitive art”. Brücke explored angular, simple, stylized figures, masks and animal forms drawn with simple contours. For Nolde as well as for the other expressionist artist such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner or Erich Heckel, the artifacts from the so called “primitives” were considered more authentic, emotional, raw and spontaneous. But unlike the others members from the German avant-garde group, Nolde was essentially introverted and soon withdrew, though he maintained friendly relations with individual members.

After leaving Brücke, Nolde made a journey to the Pacific Region in 1913-14 for the purpose of study and observe the native habits and environment. That’s the reason why his artworks presented in this exhibition are a reflection about people living in harmony with nature. Even though the idealized concept of “noble savage” was in vogue at that time, Nolde represented the natives from New Guinea in an original and unconventional way.

“Emil Nolde. In Search of the Authentic not only presents Nolde’s radical simplification, stylized figures and vibrant colors, but also his criticism and recognition. His sympathy for Non-European culture combines both progressive and regressive elements as a new concept of society in Germany after World War I. At the same time, the exhibition will also focus on Nolde’s relationship to the German politics of the 30’s and 40’s.

For further information, contact curator Øystein Ustvedt  tel. 21.98.21.15.

The exhibition is supported by Wintershall. Wintershall is Germany's largest crude oil and natural gas producer. www.wintershall.com