Surreal exhibition

I recently visited both Museum Berggruen and Sammlung Scharf-Gerstenberg in Charlottenburg to see two shows. Both collections showcased complimentary work from the early 20th century of experimental and surreal subjects. Artists involved range from the well known, Picaso, Dali, Piranesi, Ernst, Magritte, Man Ray etc too a few lesser known.
  A good portion of the work on display at Sammlung Scharf-Gerstenberg is actually from the Neue Nationalgaleries collection which is now undergoing renovation until 2019. So its a blend of work from influential artists displayed by theme rather than chronological order.

Giovanni Battista Piranesi

Max Ernst

Hans Bellmer

  A discovery for me was the work of Hans Bellmer. Apparently he's known for photography but here he has paintings made with Gouache and an element of chance. A very liquid layer of pigment is applied and further added to with faces or figures pulled out of the resulting collection of shapes.

Hans Bellmer

  Here Bellmer has soaked paper (I believe) and pressed it onto a board, massaging it into a collection of folds and wrinkles to begin the shape. On top of this, he has painted white lines to define edges and shadow of the face. Its rather similar to a 3D computer graphic wire frame model that didn't come into existence for another 50 years.
  I saw another artists work, in Vancouver I think, many years ago doing similar looking illustrations with clear cello tape on black which produced a great look. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of that artist however I can't help but think that this may have been inspired by Bellmer.

Hans Bellmer, self portrait

Checkout the shows if you're in Berlin as they have many more interesting works. They're on until August 2016 if not longer.

Until next time,
Andy