ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner Retrospective at Neue Galerie New York

exhibition · 2026-04-27

Until January 13, 2020, the Neue Galerie in New York is showcasing a retrospective dedicated to Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880–1938). Curated by Jill Lloyd and Janis Staggs, this exhibition comprises approximately 100 pieces divided into five sections that correspond to Kirchner's various homes: Dresden, Berlin, Davos, the war years, and prints. It explores how his art evolved in response to his surroundings and social shifts, particularly his use of color. In Dresden (1905–1911), he was a co-founder of Die Brücke, focusing on figurative art and local scenes. In Berlin (1911), he captured urban life with a sense of melancholy. His struggles during WWI culminated in "Self-Portrait as a Soldier" (1915). In Davos (1918), he turned to alpine landscapes and recurring female figures. The exhibition also features loans from the Centre Pompidou and private collections.

Key facts

  • Retrospective at Neue Galerie New York until January 13, 2020
  • Curated by Jill Lloyd and Janis Staggs
  • Around 100 works from 1907 to 1937
  • Five sections: Dresden, Berlin, Davos, war years, prints
  • Kirchner co-founded Die Brücke in Dresden in 1905
  • Berlin period dominated by blue tones and street scenes
  • World War I caused psychological breakdown; 'Self-Portrait as a Soldier' (1915)
  • Davos period idealized alpine life in triptych 'Life in the Alps' (1917–19)
  • Female subjects include companion Erna Schilling in 'Toilette' (1913/1920)
  • Loan from Centre Pompidou

Entities

Artists

  • Ernst Ludwig Kirchner
  • Fritz Bley
  • Erich Heckel
  • Karl Schmidt-Rottluff
  • Erna Schilling
  • Jill Lloyd
  • Janis Staggs
  • Maurita Cardone

Institutions

  • Neue Galerie New York
  • Centre Pompidou
  • Die Brücke
  • Artribune

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Aschaffenburg
  • Germany
  • Davos
  • Switzerland
  • Dresden
  • Berlin
  • Moritzburg
  • Fehmarn
  • 1048 Fifth Avenue at 86th Street – New York

Sources