Der Hirte, The New Type and Rebell — Georg Baselitz Der Hirte, 1965. Photo: bpk-Bildagentur. The New Type, 1965. Photo: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Donation: Franz Dahlem. Rebell, 1965. Tate London 2015. Photo: Fredrich Rosentiel © Georg Baselitz 2016

Georg Baselitz

The Heroes

11.11 2016 – 19.2 2017

Stockholm

Monumental, figurative paintings and drawings of tattered and frail soldiers fill our galleries in autumn 2016. This exhibition focuses on two controversial series of works, Heroes and New Types, which Georg Baselitz created in 1965–66, in his early career.

Georg Baselitz is regarded as one of Europe’s most prominent and influential artists. The subject matter in the series Heroes was a provocative reminder of German history, in an era when the nation was rejoicing in “the German economic wonder”. The art scene, which was dominated by the shiny surfaces of pop and cool minimalist abstraction, also spurned his works as out of touch with the times. They offered no optimistic outlook. On the contrary, they seemed to sceptically highlight failure. Despite the aggressiveness of the vivid brushwork, the intense colours, and the frontal compositions with thick outlines, the figures seem to convey resignation and vulnerability.

Curator: Magnus af Petersens

Interview with Georg Baselitz

The exhibition film is produced by Städel Museum. Subtitles available in English and German. Watch it on YouTube: Georg Baselitz. Die Helden – Ausstellungsfilm