06.03.2002 - 14.07.2002
Günter Fruhtrunk (1923-1982) is one of the outstanding German geometric constructivist artists of the second generation. His works are characterized by extreme stringency. The central theme in his pictures is the diagonal. His intense self-imposed restriction in the choice of expressive media has led him to a mastery of rhythmization. The dynamic stripes always seem to pierce the boundaries of his pictures and to extend ad infinitum.
This retrospective exhibition aims to provide an insight into and a survey of his early work (which was largely influenced by the language of forms of the suprematists), his first “striped pictures” and his powerful main oeuvre, and his very expressive late work. In his self-imposed reduction to certain form elements, Fruhtrunk developed a large and rich variety which is also reflected in his choice of colors. His main works are characterized by strong greens, radiant blues, glaring reds and biting yellows, while his later works, very expressive and seemingly more superficial in painting style, are dominated by mixed shades of color and an increased use of black. His very last painting is completely black, with only some discernible diagonal structures.
The exhibition includes works on loan from the following institutions, to whom we extend our cordial thanks:
Lenbachhaus, Munich
New National Gallery, Berlin
Art Collection of Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf
Edith Wahlandt Gallery, Stuttgart
M. and A. Weishaupt Art Collection, Munich
and the artist’s estate in Munich.
Vernissage on Wednesday, 6. March 2002, at 8 p.m. in the foyer of the Arithmeum, introductory talk by Professor Helmut Friedel, Director of the Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, Munich.
