- Display of Otto Dix's Works in Gera from October
Otto Dix - Believe in What You See: Gera honors its renowned son with an extensive showcase. About 50 paintings and 35 sketches and drawings by the celebrated artist will be displayed for several years starting October 4th in the Orangerie, as stated by the city officials. This exhibition will showcase pieces from Dix's beginnings as an apprentice in a decorative painting workshop to his final creations.
Moreover, a multimedia show will outline the artistic progression of the artist, who was connected with both Expressionism and New Objectivity. There will be original film clips from the 1920s and 1960s to offer glimpses into Dix's life. Ulrike Lorenz, President of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar and a Gera native who served as the city's art collection director and Otto-Dix-Haus manager for over a decade, is curating this event.
"Guiding Beacon" and "Eastern Companion" for Western Collection
Thuringia's Minister of Culture, Benjamin-Immanuel Hoff (Left Party), referred to the exhibition as a fresh "beacon of culture with a nationwide influence." Dix was an "extraordinary artist from the working class." The state chancellery had previously declared that the state would contribute approximately 300,000 euros to the exhibition.
The show is considered a "step towards the planned Otto-Dix Museum," as stated by the city administration. Its goal is to strengthen connections with Dix collections from the Museum Gunzenhauser Chemnitz and the Gallery of Old Masters of the Dresden State Art Collections. This way, Thuringia and Saxony could form a "Eastern companion" to the significant Dix collection from the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart.
Otto-Dix-Haus Revitalizes
The Otto-Dix-Haus in Gera, situated in the renovated birthplace of the artist, will reopen on December 2nd, marking the 133rd anniversary of the artist's birth, after a temporary shutdown for the Orangerie exhibition preparations.
Last year, the Otto-Dix Foundation in Vaduz, Liechtenstein's capital, made headlines by threatening to withdraw vital long-term loans from the Gera art collection, claiming that they were not being appropriately showcased.
Dix is generally recognized as one of the most influential German artists from the 20th century. His style altered throughout the years, and his work was deemed "degenerate" by the Nazis. In his art, he conveyed his war experiences and provided social criticism. He is also famous for his grotesque portraits.
The extensive exhibition showcases the artistic evolution of the renowned Artist Otto Dix, featuring over 50 paintings and 35 sketches and drawings. Ulrike Lorenz, an experienced curator and Gera native, has meticulously organized this event to highlight Dix's artistic journey.
