Max Pechstein: Adventure Expressionism

What's it about?

The comprehensive retrospective shows central works from several creative periods of Hermann Max Pechstein (1881-1955). Besides Dresden and Berlin, fishing villages on the Baltic Sea coast were his most important creative places. His works were presented to the Berlin public from 1913 in the Kunstsalon Fritz Gurlitt. Wolfgang Gurlitt, owner of the gallery since 1907, also supported Pechstein's trip to the South Seas. On the Palau Islands, the expressionist painter sought a life in harmony with nature, but the First World War ended his adventure prematurely. After the war, Pechstein found new creative energy in Berlin. In 1937, over 500 of his works were confiscated by the National Socialists as part of the "Degenerate Art" campaign. Motifs from his South Sea journey, painted from memory, reappeared in his late work in vibrant colors. A Linz-specific focus illuminates Pechstein's special relationship with Gurlitt. Over 100 works, including portraits, Baltic Sea paintings, and South Sea motifs, are on display for the first time in Austria. Opening: April 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM