Günter Fruhtrunk (1923–1982) was one of the few German artists who not only continued to work in the aesthetic tradition of Classical Modernism after 1945, but who actually embraced its ideals and values, and sought to apply them to the new social order.

In 1963, having spent a long time in Paris, Fruhtrunk achieved his breakthrough with an exhibition at the Museum am Ostwall in Dortmund. For many years, he was one of the most talkedabout artists in Germany. Yet after his early death, his name was increasingly forgotten.

In retrospect, Fruhtrunk's abstract geometric, non-figurative painting, coupled with his social and political engagement, distinguish him as one of the most enduring and inspirational figures in postwar German art. Rekindling public awareness of this artist's pivotal role is one of the main aims of this exhibition. The exquisite painterly sensitivity and quality of his oeuvre go hand in hand with an earnest endeavour to address the issues of the modern age and contribute to the ideal of individual self-determination. In pursuit of this, Fruhtrunk developed a singular system of painting that articulates the quest for enlightenment by activating a way of seeing that involves confronting fundamental existential questions. While this exhibition charts his career in broadly chronological order, it also includes a section devoted to the previously unacknowledged influence of music on Fruhtrunk's work. In addition, some small studies he evidently made to explore the use of different carriers, and how different techniques affect the behaviour of paint can be seen for the first time.

The exhibition is a Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein production, curated by Friedemann Malsch.

More pictures to this exhibition

  • Günter Fruhtrunk
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Günter Fruhtrunk
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Günter Fruhtrunk
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Günter Fruhtrunk
    Exhibition view Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Photo: Stefan Altenburger © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Opening
  • Thu, 24.5.2012
    18.00
  • Guided tours
  • Thu, 31.5.2012
    18.00
  • Tue, 12.6.2012
    18.00
  • Thu, 28.6.2012
    18.00
  • Thu, 30.8.2012
    18.00
  • Thu 24.5.

    Opening

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    Vernissage
  • Wed 30.5.

    Introduction for Teachers

    Günter Fruhtrunk: Introduction for teachers of all levels
    with Christina Jacoby
  • Thu 31.5.

    Take Away

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    Short guided tour during the lunch break
  • Thu 31.5.

    Guided tour

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    with Friedemann Malsch
  • Sun 3.6.

    One Hour

    Colour
    Guided tour with Friedemann Malsch
  • Tue 5.6.

    Introduction for Teachers

    Günter Fruhtrunk: Introduction for teachers of all levels
    with Christina Jacoby
  • Tue 12.6.

    Guided tour

    Special Tour Günter Fruhtrunk
    a cooperation with the Feldkirch Festival
  • Thu 14.6.

    "Art 60 plus"

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    with Barbara Redmann
    Continuing at the 28th of June 2012, registration required
  • Thu 14.6.

    Lecture

    Increased Intensity in Life
    «Rhythm» and «Light» in Fruhtrunks pictures
    by Erich Franz (in German)
  • Thu 28.6.

    "Art 60 plus"

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    with Barbara Redmann
  • Thu 28.6.

    Guided tour

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    with Uwe Wieczorek
  • Thu 30.8.

    Take Away

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    Short guided tour during the lunch break
  • Thu 30.8.

    Guided tour

    Günter Fruhtrunk
    with Friedemann Malsch