Viewing Making Modernism 

Landing at the Royal Academy this November is ‘Making Modernism’, the first major UK exhibition dedicated to a group of trailblazing women artists working in Germany in the early 1900s. These include Paula Modersohn-Becker, Kӓthe Kollwitz, Gabriele Münter and Marianne Werefkin. Also featured are key pictures by Erma Bossi, Ottilie Reylaender and Jacoba van Heemskerck.

Although less familiar than their male counterparts like Wassily Kandinsky, these women were no less central to the development of Modernism in Europe. In celebration of their vital contribution to the movement, this long-overdue exhibition brings together 65 works, many never seen in the UK before.

Expect bold, brilliant colours and pictures that take as their themes the changing role of women, modernity, identity, belonging and urban life. Highlights include Bossi’s Portrait of Marianne Werefkin from 1910 and Modersohn- Becker’s 1906 Mother with Child on her Arm, Nude II. Of the still lifes on display in the final section, our favourite is Münter’s Apples on the Wall from 1908.

It’s a great opportunity to discover the individuality of each artist as well as the strong affinities between them. Finally, they’re getting their time in the spotlight. Don’t miss it!