Marc Chagall Exhibition at K20 Düsseldorf – Ddorf-Now
In the heart of Düsseldorf, Director Susanne Gaensheimer curates an annual celebration of a revered figure in Classical Modernism. This year, she brings the enchanting works of Marc Chagall to captivate the Düsseldorf audience. Teaming up with Vienna’s Albertina, the Kunstsammlung NRW at Grabbeplatz showcases 120 masterpieces by the wizard of Witebsk. A mesmerizing display, as expected, with surprising elements to captivate all.
The Familiar and the Unknown
Even those unfamiliar with art have a mental image of Marc Chagall (1887-1985): the artist known for floating lovers, colorful animals, heavenly flowers, and the fiddler on the roof. His iconic works adorn posters, have been mass-produced, and even find their way onto scarves and tote bags in museum gift shops. Few artists enjoy such widespread popularity. Chagall painted a dreamy world in vibrant colors, which comes to life in the exhibition. However, experienced curator Susanne Meyer-Büser, known for her work with Soutine and Mondrian, delves deeper into the artist’s lesser-known “dark side.”
A Glimpse into Shadows
While Chagall’s vibrant blues and dreamlike depictions of Witebsk may shine brightly, his early life was far from idyllic. As the eldest of nine children in a modest Jewish family in czarist Russia, Chagall faced anti-Semitism as a societal norm. His journey to pursue his artistic talent in St. Petersburg required special permissions and odd jobs. In a poignant self-portrait from 1909, acquired early on by Werner Schmalenbach, the shadows of Chagall’s past are evident, highlighting the resilience and depth of his artistic vision.
Parisian Adventures
Chagall’s path takes a significant turn when he travels to Paris around 1910/11, the artistic hub of the new century. Despite language barriers, the young artist with captivating eyes quickly finds his place among avant-garde circles. His paintings often depict a whimsical blend of his hometown Witebsk with elements of Parisian life. The German gallerist Herwarth Walden is impressed, leading to a successful exhibition in Berlin in 1914. However, the outbreak of World War I interrupts Chagall’s trajectory, trapping him in Witebsk for eight years. Despite the turmoil, he finds solace in love, immortalized in the famous “Double Portrait with Wine Glass.”
The Journey Continues
As Chagall navigates through political upheavals and personal losses, he finds refuge in New York in 1941. Despite the tragic loss of his first wife, Bella, he discovers new love with Virginia, leading to a renewed sense of creativity and joy. With Virginia, Chagall establishes a new family and returns to France, eventually settling in Vence. Through his tumultuous life, Chagall’s art remains a testament to love, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.
Planning Your Visit
The grand “Chagall” exhibition runs until August 10th at K20 on Grabbeplatz. The opening night, with free admission, is on Friday, March 14th, from 7 pm to 10 pm. Subsequent opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm. Admission is €16, with free entry for children and teenagers up to 17 years old. An audioguide narrated by actor Aaron Altaras is available for download. Free entry for all visitors is on the first Wednesday of every month from 6 pm to 10 pm. The exhibition’s lavish catalog from Prestel Verlag is priced at €39.90. For more information, tickets, and the event schedule, visit www.kunstsammlung.de.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Marc Chagall’s art at the K20 exhibition in Düsseldorf. Explore the depths of his creativity, the shadows of his past, and the enduring spirit that shines through his iconic works. Plan your visit today to experience the magic of Chagall’s masterpieces firsthand.
