Guggenheim Museum

Gabriele Münter: Into Deep Waters

Gabriele Münter was a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern art in early 20th century Europe. Facing exclusion from Germany's public art schools, she carved her own path and became a prominent artist in the avant-garde scene of Munich and the nearby town of Murnau. Her contributions were instrumental in the formation of The Blue Rider, a group of visionary artists, writers, and musicians who sought to express profound emotions and spiritual ideas through color and form. During World War I, Münter spent considerable time in Scandinavia, leading to a rich interchange with Nordic modernism and a notable evolution in her artistic style. With her bold use of vibrant colors, Münter transformed traditional genres like still life, landscape, and portraiture. Her audacious practice served as an alternative to the emerging movements in abstract art that minimized recognizable forms. This landmark exhibition focuses on her works from 1908 to 1920 and highlights her ongoing commitment to experimentation and adaptation through later pieces. It will showcase sixty paintings and eighteen photographs across three Tower galleries, illuminating Münter’s innovative and often overlooked contributions to modern art.