The Nolde Museum Seebüll is dedicating its 69th annual exhibition in 2025 to the exciting interplay between town and country in the life of the important expressionist Emil Nolde (1867-1956). Under the title Emil Nolde - "Painter Man" in Berlin, the focus is on the two worlds that had a decisive influence on the artist: the rural seclusion of his home in the German-Danish border region and the pulsating energy of the metropolis of Berlin.
Over 110 works - including famous depictions of flowers, moving seas, expansive landscapes and fascinating impressions of Berlin's nightlife - paint a comprehensive picture of Nolde's artistic and personal development. Highlights of the exhibition are the lively watercolors that Nolde created in the Berlin theater milieu, as well as enchanting animal watercolors inspired by visits to the zoo.
Emil Nolde alternated between the quiet summers in the secluded nature of North Friesland and the lively winters in the cultural and social center of Berlin. In the capital, the artist not only found inspiration for his art, but also the space to cultivate his network. His studio apartments - first in Tauentzienstraße, later in Bayernallee - became the starting point for encounters with collectors, art historians and gallery owners.
Emil Nolde, "Dance II", 1911, Painting, © Nolde Stiftung Seebüll
Berlin, one of the most important metropolises in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century, captivated Nolde with its nightlife, theater and cabaret. The years 1910/11 marked a particularly productive phase: Max Reinhardt, director of the Deutsches Theater, provided Nolde with free tickets. In the dimly lit auditorium, Nolde captured the fleeting dynamics of dance and gesture in watercolor and ink. His series of over 300 works reflects the vibrant atmosphere of the big city.
Nolde often described himself as a "painter's man" - a term that emphasizes the duality between artist and man. This exhibition sheds light not only on the artistic fruits of his time in Berlin, but also on the challenges that this dichotomy entailed. The exhibition allows visitors to experience the tension between the lively city and the calming nature - an alternation that shaped Nolde's work throughout his life.
Dr. Christian Ring, Director of the Nolde Museum, explains:
"The exhibition shows how deeply Emil Nolde was influenced by the contrasts between urban life and rural seclusion. This polarity is central to understanding his art."
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nolde Foundation Seebüll, Dr. Hans-Joachim Throl, adds:
"With Emil Nolde - "Malermensch" in Berlin, we invite visitors to experience the dynamism of this unique creative phase and to discover the topicality of Nolde's work in a historical context."
March 1 to October 31, 2025
