Markus Lüpertz: Diamond--Dithyrambic (© Markus Lüpertz / Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden will feature an exhibition celebrating the work of artist Markus Lüpertz, one of Germany’s most prominent living artists.
Curated by the Hirshhorn’s Evelyn Hankins, “Markus Lüpertz: Threads of History” offers an in-depth look at Lüpertz’s formative years of 1962 to 1975, providing critical historical context to what was often viewed as provocative use of military images in post-war Germany.
One of Europe’s most prolific postwar painters, Lüpertz rose to international prominence in the 1980s as a leading figure of neo-expressionism, and he has worked across a wide range of media for more than 50 years.
Lüpertz as a young artist sought to distill abstract expressionism, pop art, and German motifs into a unique style that emphasized pure creative expression to become, as he described it, “a painter without responsibilities.” Highlights include the monumental 40-foot “Westwall [Siegfried Line]” (1968), which has never been shown in the U.S., “Donald Ducks Hochzeit (Donald Duck’s Wedding)” (1963) and “Deutsches Motiv III—dithyrambisch” (1972).
“A prolific painter, sculptor, poet and jazz musician, Lüpertz crafted a unique visual vocabulary out of an alchemy of influences, from the poetry of Friedrich Nietzche to the social and political history of his native Germany,” said Hirshhorn Director Melissa Chiu. “We are pleased to present these dynamic works, which offer one artist’s striking response to the world around him.”
This event is part of the European Month of Culture (EUMC). Now in its fifth year, EUMC is a month-long festival of innovative and creative events for the American public highlighting the diverse cultures of all 28 European Union Member countries. Enjoy film, dance, music, theatre, exhibits, language classes, workshops and more in great venues throughout Washington DC. Most events are free! To see all EUMC events, click here.
