Among the diverse descriptive labels attached to the art of Fritz Ascher, perhaps none is more evocative and distinct than “expressionist.” In the context of visual art, that term has, over the past century and a half, connoted the articulation of strong emotion–through color, brush work, and the aggressive representation of figures and the elements of nature. This discussion will consider ways in which these features, particularly in painting, can explore and have explored embodying emotion and provoking it in the viewer. Also discussed will be the relationships of political identity, the workings of the unconscious mind, and the realm of the spiritual to the work of Ascher and other important artists, before and contemporary with him, both in Europe and the United States.
Panel discussion moderated by:
Sarah Eckhardt, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond
With speakers:
Eckhart Gillen, Independent curator, Berlin
“German and American Expressionism 1914, 1933 and 1941: Franz Marc, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Mark Rothko. Manifestations of National Identity and the Break of Civilization”
Karen Wilkin, Independent curator and critic, New York
“The Collective Unconscious: New York Expressionism”
Elizabeth Berkowitz, Mellon/ACLS Public Fellow, Rockefeller Archive Center
“Fritz Ascher and Ideological Color in Modern Art”
Ori Z. Soltes, Teaching Professor, Center for Jewish Civilization, Georgetown University, Washington D.C.
The event is co-organized by Richmond University Museums and the Fritz Ascher Society and is sponsored by Allianz Partners.
Date and Time: Wed, 02/12/2020, 6:00 PM
Location: JOEL AND LILA HARNETT MUSEUM OF ART, UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, 453 Westhampton Way, Richmond, VA 23173
For more information please visit www.goethe.de