A memorial exhibition featuring the work of East German artist Horst Bartnig is drawing significant attention at the Mies van der Rohe House in Berlin's Hohenschönhausen district. The show celebrates the legacy of the Berlin-based constructivist artist, who was known as an insider tip during the GDR era and masterfully combined systematic approaches with sensuality in his artistic practice.
Bartnig, who passed away recently, was renowned for his unique ability to merge mathematical precision with aesthetic appeal in ways few artists have achieved. His work, exemplified by pieces like "Squares in Blue, Stripes in Light Red in Green Spiral" from 2007 - a 200 x 200 cm acrylic on canvas painting - demonstrates his distinctive approach to constructivist art that went far beyond simple Op-Art techniques.
The exhibition is being held at the Bauhaus-style museum located on the eastern outskirts of Berlin, which has gained international recognition over the years. The venue is currently in a transitional period following the retirement of Wita Noack, who served as the heart and soul of the now world-famous municipal Lichtenberg museum for 33 years before stepping down this summer.
According to unofficial sources, after an extensive selection process, a young curator from Dresden's Albertinum museum is expected to be appointed as the new director soon. Despite the leadership transition, the institution continues to present significant exhibitions that highlight important artistic legacies from the former East Germany.
The Bartnig exhibition serves as both a tribute to the artist's innovative approach to constructivist art and a reminder of the rich artistic heritage that emerged from East Germany during and after the Cold War period. The show provides Berlin audiences with an opportunity to appreciate the sophisticated interplay between mathematical structure and visual beauty that characterized Bartnig's distinctive artistic vision.
