About the work
Colour as the central bearer of the pictorial statement and the autonomous expressive factor is at the core of the work of Rupprecht Geiger (1908–2009), who is among the protagonists of non-representational painting in German art after 1945. This large-format painting from 1981 provides a profound example of this: in the almost square format, the transition between intense red and brilliant pink takes place as a flowing, organic and dynamic process. Around 1965, Geiger moved from painterly dabbing to the sprayed application of paint to achieve the finely nuanced progressions and the gentlest slurring of the colouring. The eye experiences this pictorial surface as the harmonious movement of colour with spatial expansion. Geiger understood colour as an inherent force containing light, the elementary energy of which, in interaction with area and space, was the theme and the impact of his pictorial creations. The radiant and at the same time fluorescing colouring dematerialises the pictorial area and transforms it into a sensual and emotional atmosphere. Especially the colour red plays a central role in Geiger’s work. Conscious of its stimulating effect and its spiritual energy, he used it repeatedly for his paintings. “Red is life, energy, potency, power, love, warmth, strength. Red sources of light are spiritual matter”, is how the painter explained the inherent value of each colour.
Text authored and provided by Dr. Andreas Gabelmann, Art Historian
Dr. Andreas Gabelmann, art historian, born 1967 in Landau. Programmes of study in art history, architectural history and literature in Karlsruhe and Bamberg. 1999 Doctoral thesis on the Badenese Expressionist August Babberger (1885-1936). 2000 to 2002 Practical training at the Brücke-Museum Berlin. 2003 to 2004 Scientific staff member of the Städtisches Kunstmuseum Singen. Since 2005, active as a freelance art historian, author and curator for museums, art associations, galleries, foundations, artist estates, the press and publishing houses in Germany and Switzerland. Numerous publications on modern art with a focus on Expressionism and extending to contemporary art. Publication of the new catalogue raisonné of the printed graphic works of Erich Heckel (will appear in autumn of 2021). Lives and works in Radolfzell on Lake Constance.
