Gesture and line: four post-war German and Austrian artists from the Duerckheim Collection

This publication explores the work of four lesser-known German and Austrian artists who drew in the 1960s, focusing on their abstracted, minimalist figures, studio interiors, and landscapes. It highlights a second major gift from the German collector Count Christian Duerckheim to the British Museum.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: British Museum Press

In the vibrant art scene of post-war Germany and Austria, drawing emerged as a prominent medium, captivating the hearts of a rising generation of artists. This captivating publication delves into the captivating world of works on paper by four artists who, despite their relative obscurity in the UK, possess a unique artistic voice. While Georg Baselitz and Gerhard Richter, renowned household names in German contemporary art, are celebrated for their monumental and commanding creations, a quieter and more introspective strand can be found in the work of Rudi Tröger (b. 1929), Karl Bohrmann (1928–1998), and Carl-Heinz Wegert (1926–2007). These artists, known for their intimate scale and minimalist approach, bring forth a profound exploration of abstracted figures, studio interiors, and landscapes through a delicate use of line and a sparing, self-effacing gesturalism.

In stark contrast, the Austrian actionist Hermann Nitsch (1938–2022) presents us with visceral depictions of the human anatomy in his large lithographs, which stem from his notorious actionist performances. This publication serves as a celebration of a remarkable second major gift to the British Museum from the esteemed German collector Count Christian Duerckheim. His first gift, featured in the groundbreaking exhibition Germany Divided: Baselitz and his generation, published by the British Museum Press in 2014, set the stage for this extraordinary artistic journey.

Through the pages of this publication, we embark on a visual exploration of the profound artistic expressions of these four artists, each with their distinct style and vision. Their works invite us to immerse ourselves in the world of abstraction, where lines become forms, and landscapes take on a surreal quality. We witness the delicate interplay between gesture and line, as the artists convey their emotions and thoughts through their minimalist aesthetic.

The publication also sheds light on the historical context in which these artists emerged. The post-war period marked a time of immense artistic transformation and experimentation, with a renewed interest in abstraction and minimalism. The artists featured in this publication were part of a generation that pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, challenging traditional conventions and embracing the power of simplicity.

In conclusion, this publication offers a captivating glimpse into the world of works on paper by four lesser-known artists who have made significant contributions to the German and Austrian art scenes. Their artistic journeys, marked by introspection and a profound understanding of the human condition, resonate with audiences worldwide. By celebrating their work, we honor the legacy of artistic innovation and exploration that continues to inspire and captivate us.

Weight: 830g
Dimension: 230 x 258 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780714126975