Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and The Blue Rider

The makings of modern art

In the years before the First World War, a loose network of artists began to grow. Known as Der Blaue Reiter, or The Blue Rider, members would come to shape modern art as we know it today. In this landmark exhibition, Tate Modern honours the masterpieces and friendships that forged the Expressionist movement.

Art in free form

The Blue Rider originated in Munich in 1909, and was led by the likes of Wassily Kandinsky, Gabrielle Münter and Franz Marc. It brought together artists and performers from across countries and cultures, with the aim of freeing art from convention – through innovative new forms and a bold use of colour.

One movement, many artists

At Tate Modern, Expressionists tells a story of a collective force, powered by individual creativity. There are over 13o works here, curated in collaboration with Lenbachhaus, Munich, now brought together in the UK for the first time in 60 years. Paintings by Franz Marc leave a vivid impression. Gabriele Münter is given rightful prominence – with her portraits and experimental photography in the frame. And the paintings of Marianne Werefkin are at their most dramatic.

Among the masterpieces are corners given over to sculpture and sound, including a whole gallery dedicated to the life and freestyle performance of dancer and choreographer, Alexander Sackharoff. It’s an invigorating exhibition that appears to explode into colour – just as The Blue Rider collective would have envisioned.

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