Artrust Gallery Zurich is currently presenting its new exhibition titled “Rot-Blau: When Ticino Inspired Swiss Expressionism”, on display since 8 February.
The exhibition sheds light on the short but significant artistic cycle of the Rot-Blau Group, an initiative that emerged in Switzerland between 1923 and 1927 under the direction of the famous German expressionist painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. The Rot-Blau Group (red and blue, the colors of Ticino), composed of talented artists Hermann Scherer, Albert Müller, Paul Camenisch and later Werner Neuhaus, dedicated intense and long periods between the canton of Graubünden and Ticino. The outcome is a cycle of works characterized by landscapes and portraits that exude a unique emotional charge, with vibrant colors reflecting the inspiration drawn from the picturesque Ticino landscape.
«In the past, artists from Central Switzerland found an inexhaustible source of inspiration in Ticino,» emphasizes Artrust Director Patrizia Cattaneo Moresi. «Now, as a gallery from Ticino, we are reviving this inspiration by bringing a piece of Ticino into the heart of Zurich. This exhibition takes you on a journey through the history and soul of our country, featuring works that narrate the beauty of Ticino through the eyes of the Swiss Expressionists.»
The exhibition will be open for viewing from 8 February, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
The Exhibiting Artists
Albert Müller
Born in Basel, the Swiss painter, sculptor, and graphic artist is considered one of the leading representatives of Swiss Expressionism. His artistic journey, marked by a vivid and distinct use of color, was shaped by the avant-garde art scene in Basel, particularly influenced by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Upon relocating to Ticino, he explored various mediums, including watercolors, drawings, prints, sculptures and paintings, while experimenting with vibrant hues.
Hermann Scherer
The German sculptor and painter emerged as a key figure in expressionist sculpture. Originating from a rural family, he initially pursued a career as a stonemason. Following the First World War and influenced by Edvard Munch, he transitioned into expressionist painting. A decisive moment in his artistic journey occurred with his meeting with Ernst Ludwig Kirchner in Basel in 1923. The wooden sculptures crafted during this period stand out as some of the most significant works of Expressionism.
Paul Camenisch
Born in Zurich and trained in architecture, Camenisch, active since the 1920s, is known for his watercolors featuring architectural landscapes. Inspired by Kirchner, he turned to Expressionism. Following the passings of Müller and Scherer, he established the Rot-Blau II group and later the anti-fascist collective Gruppe 33 in Basel. Today, he is considered one of the most significant Swiss artists of the 20th century.
Werner Neuhaus
He studied at the Wassermann Institute in Basel, undergoing artistic development under the guidance of Cuno Amiet. In 1924, he became a member of the Rot-Blau movement. Two years later, he married Hedwig Gfeller and relocated to Grabenhalde, establishing a new studio. Over the following years, he developed a painting style influenced by academic realism with dramatic undertones, catering to the preferences of the local clientele.
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
As a leading representative of the expressionist group “Die Brücke,” which he founded in 1905 together with Erich Heckel and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, his works are influenced by Dürer and Munch. They are characterized by distorted forms, vibrant colors and psychological tension. After the First World War, he suffered a nervous breakdown and moved to Switzerland, where he painted tranquil landscapes.
Further impressions of the exhibition:
