Max Pechstein: Adventure of Expressionism

In addition to Dresden and Berlin, fishing villages on the Baltic Sea coast were his most important sources of inspiration. Starting in 1913, his works were presented to the Berlin public at the art salon of Fritz Gur­litt. Wolfgang Gur­litt, who had owned the gallery since 1907, also supported Pechstein's journey to the South Seas. On the Palau Islands, the expressionist painter sought a life in harmony with nature, but the First World War prematurely ended his adventure. After the war, Pechstein found new creative energy in Berlin. In 1937, over 500 of his works were confiscated as part of the National Socialists' "Degenerate Art" campaign. Motifs painted from memory of his South Sea journey reappeared in his later works in vibrant colors.

A Linz-specific focus will illuminate Pechstein's special relationship with Gur­litt. Over 100 works, including portraits, Baltic Sea paintings, and South Sea motifs, will be on display for the first time in Austria.

Opening: April 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM.