Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and the Blue Rider is a Journey Through One of Art’s Transformative Eras

At the dawn of the 20th century, a vibrant circle of visionaries banded together to redefine the boundaries of art. Known as the Blue Rider, this international collective embarked on a quest to harness the transformative power of art, delving into a diverse array of mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, performance and sound. Their pioneering spirit set the stage for a revolution in modern art.

The exhibition showcases the works of renowned artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, Franz Marc, and Paul Klee, while also casting a spotlight on lesser-known yet influential figures like Wladimir Burliuk and Maria Franck-Marc. This carefully curated collection, featuring masterpieces from Munich’s Lenbachhaus and rare pieces from around the world, celebrates the group’s radical approach to form, colour, sound and performance.

Tate Modern’s exhibition begins with the creative synergy of Kandinsky and Münter, set against the social backdrop of pre-World War I Munich—an artistic haven where cultures merged and creativity flourished. Munich’s liberal atmosphere attracted a diverse group of artists, from Eastern European and American artists with Jewish ancestry to those from the melting pot of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian Empires. It was a place where social misfits and those seeking unconventional partnerships found a home for their artistic expression.

The art on display is the text book definition of ‘expressionism’ with its bold colours, dramatic forms and the raw emotion reflected in the artistic response to the tumultuous backdrop of the early 20th century—a time marked by imperialist ambitions, colonial expansion, ethnic intolerance, and class struggles. Amidst the social chaos of the time, the Blue Rider emerged as a beacon of transculturality, championing the idea that art transcends borders and nations, belonging solely to humanity. We love how the art on show educates and inspires, the use of colours bring out emotions, the stories alongside the exhibits often relate to our own continuous struggle to culturally integrate and to be accepted by society.

Visitors to the exhibition are invited to immerse themselves in experiential environments that capture modernism’s enchantment with sound, colour, and light. Highlights include Kandinsky’s “Impression III (Concert)” from 1911, which explores the artist’s fascination with synaesthesia—a condition where one sense is experienced through another. Similarly, Franz Marc’s “Deer in the Snow II” from the same year invites an exploration of colour theory and optics, unlocking the mysteries of his work.

This major exhibition is more than a display of artistic innovation; it is a narrative of friendship, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of artistic transformation. It is a celebration of the Blue Rider’s legacy—a group that not only shaped the course of modern art but also reflected the spirit of an era that sought to find unity and humanity through the power of creative expression.

Keeping in step with the Expressionism theme, on 30 May 2024, Tate Modern celebrates the launch of two new beers inspired by the exhibition from Left Handed Giant and Yonder Brewery with an exclusive private view of the exhibition. Full details of this event are available on this website. Complete your visit to Tate Modern with an Expressionists Lunch or Afternoon Tea that include the ticket to the exhibition.

The Expressionists:Kandinsky, Münter and the Blue Rider art show runs until 25 October 2024 at Tate Modern in London. Tickets £22. Free for Tate members and £5 for everyone aged 16-25. tate.org.uk.
Expressionists is presented in the Eyal Ofer Galleries and is supported by the Huo Family Foundation with additional support from Tate Patrons and Tate Members. The exhibition is organised by Tate Modern in collaboration with Lenbachhaus Munich. It is curated by Natalia Sidlina, Curator International Art, Tate Modern and Genevieve Barton, Assistant Curator, International Art, Tate Modern.

For our selection of London theatre and art shows please visit our shows page.