Thumbnail: poster for the exhibition Gabriele Münter. Peindre sans détours at the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris [4th of April 2025 – 24th of August 2025]. Source: https://www.spectatif.com/2025/08/gabriele-munter-au-mam-couleurs-franches-regards-libres.html
In this first retrospective held in France on Gabriele Münter, the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris brings together over 170 works, in different mediums, by the artist. Co-founder of the German expressionist movement Der Blaue Reiter, Münter creates colorful and vibrant pieces that deeply reflect her personal style.
Gabriele Münter, Kandinsky à l’harmonium, 1907, linocut print on paper, Munich, Lenbacchaus
This work is a linocut print on paper, obtained by carving a sheet of linoleum to obtain a design, and then covering the sheet in ink to print it. I personally really like Felix Valloton’s linocuts, because of their strong composition and their stark contrast between light and dark spaces.
This linocut by Gabriele Münter drew me in for the same reasons. It represents Kandinsky, her companion and co-founder of Der Blaue Reiter, playing the harmonium. We can solely see Kandinsky’s silhouette, with his body and face completely in the
shadows. The only way we can discern the shape of his hands is through a small line of white, representing the light of the lamp falling on them. The sheet music is delicate and beautiful, mostly in shadow, with a ray of light shining on it.
Gabriele Münter, Nature morte en gris, 1909, oil on cardboard, Munich, Lenbacchaus
This painting, titled Still life in gray, has only one gray element: the tablecloth. I really enjoyed this work because of its bright colors and satisfying, round shapes. The composition is well balanced, with the vase and flower standing tall amidst a circle of round fruits and brown elements. I also really like how the brushwork is visible, adding texture to the work and
letting the underlying cardboard peek through.
– Dessin d’enfant (Robert), non dated, graphite lead and color chalk on Bristol, Munich, Gabriele Münter und Johannes Eichner Stiftung
– Gabriele Münter, Maison (d’après un dessin d’enfant), 1914, cardboard, Munich, Gabriele Münter und Johannes Eichner Stiftung
On the left is a child’s drawing. On the right is Münter’s interpretation of it. I found this part of the exhibition very touching, as it shows how much value can be found in children’s art. The wall label explains how Münter delved into all sources of modern art, including children’s art, in search of the “source of creativity.” This painting is part of a series that, for me, acts as an exploration of what art is, where and when creativity emerges, and how children’s art should not be so easily overlooked.
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