We are familiar with Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's powerful oil paintings, yet a less highlighted, central facet of his oeuvre is revealed in his drawings, pastels, and watercolours.
The autumn exhibition "EXPRESSION IN LINE AND COLOUR", from October 5, 2025 to January 4, 2026, is dedicated to this essential phase of his work. A selection of around 150 works from the museum's rich collection of approximately 900 works on paper offers deep insight into the quality and development of these media in Kirchner's hand – from the early "Brücke" years through to his time in Davos.
Central to the exhibition are coloured works on paper, particularly watercolour, whose importance has often been underestimated. For Kirchner, it was more than a study: an independent, powerful means of expression. While the thick application of paint in his oil paintings emphasizes materiality, watercolour appears more subtle – through fine layers and fluid movement. Kirchner understood watercolour and drawing as essential pillars of his creative work.
The exhibition provides insights into Kirchner's thinking based on themes: the human figure, landscape, the world of Davos. Dynamic lines and vibrant colours reflect his experience. Studies of his partner Erna Schilling are particularly intimate, captured with expressive lines and sensitive colouring.
We invite you to immerse yourself in this fascinating, often overlooked facet of Kirchner's work. Experience the mastery of line, the radiance of watercolour, and the creative dialogue between the media. This focused examination offers new, intimate insights into Kirchner's creation and thinking.