Gruppe Rot-Blau

Gruppe Rot-Blau (literal translation „Red-Blue Group“) was a Basel-based artists' association from the 1920s, closely aligned with Expressionism. Established on New Year's Eve 1924/1925 by Albert Müller, Paul Camenisch, and Hermann Scherer, and later joined by Werner Neuhaus, Gruppe Rot-Blau emerged in response to the challenging conditions young painters and sculptors faced in Basel. At that time, an older generation of artists dominated the scene, leading to the monopolization of exhibitions and state art commissions. Gruppe Rot-Blau aimed to break this monopoly and create opportunities for exhibitions, sales, and public commissions.

Their formation was partly driven by a socio-critical approach and a shift towards a new stylistic direction, moving away from the prevailing dark-toned "Valeurmalerei" (value painting). Influences from "Die Brücke" and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, with whom the members had personal contact, were significant, particularly in landscape representations and figure groups, marked by a vibrant use of primary colors, especially red and blue.

Despite not having a unified or obligatory artistic program, Gruppe Rot-Blau significantly influenced Swiss painting, helping establish Expressionism and modern art in the region. The group had three exhibitions but disbanded in 1926 after the deaths of Müller and Scherer. Later, a second phase, "Rot-Blau II," was established by Hans Stocker and other members, contributing further to the Swiss art scene.

Their works, showcasing the importance of the primary colors red and blue, are featured in various exhibitions and galleries, including Galerie Carzaniga in Basel. This gallery, established in 2004 and managed by Philipp Hediger and Markus Rück, focuses on classic Swiss art, including works from Gruppe Rot-Blau, and spans a range from abstract expressionism to contemporary Swiss art​​​​​​.

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