With the exhibition “Queer Modernism. 1900 to 1950”, the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen at K20 is presenting the first comprehensive show in Europe tovisualisethe formative contribution of queer women artiststo the development of modernism. Over 130 works by 34 international female artists- including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, films, literature and historical documents — open up a new perspective on the first half century of the 20th century. Names such as Claude Cahun, Hannah Höch, Jean Cocteau, Romaine Brooks, Marlow Moss and Richmond Barthé exemplify the diversity and social and artistic commitment of these artists. The exhibition focuses on themes such as desire, gender, sexuality and political self-presentation, but also on the experiences of queer life between war, persecution and emancipation.
The exhibition not only tells of artistic innovation, but also illustrates how alternative lifestyles gave rise to new visual languages and aesthetic perspectives. Concepts such as the “abolition of the gender binary” or “queer avant-gardes” reflect the utopian spirit of the time and visualise the enormous potential of queer perspectives for the development of modern art. With this exhibition, the Kunstsammlung NRW is opening up an important discussion about visibility, diversity and the need to broaden our view of the canon and history of modernism.
