The Blue Rider

The Blue Rider (German: Der Blaue Reiter) was an influential association of expressionist artists based in Germany, primarily active between 1911 and 1914. Unlike a conventional art movement or school, The Blue Rider was characterized by its lack of a strict program and was instead a loosely organized group of artists who shared similar philosophical and aesthetic ideals. This group was instrumental in the development of abstract art.

Founded by artists Wassily Kandinsky and Franz Marc after their resignation from the Neue Künstlervereinigung-München (New Artists’ Society-Munich), The Blue Rider's first exhibition took place at the Moderne Galerie Tannhäuser in Munich. The exhibition showcased a diverse range of art styles, emphasizing the group's inclusive and international approach to art. The work displayed by The Blue Rider artists was eclectic, but united by their shared belief in the spiritual dimension of art.

The Blue Rider's influence extended beyond exhibitions; they also published an almanac that juxtaposed works of art from various eras and genres, including avant-garde, primitive, and non-European art. This publication illustrated the group's anti-academic, open-minded, and internationally inclusive vision.

However, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 led to the group's dissolution, as many of its members were drawn into the conflict. Notably, Franz Marc and August Macke were killed in combat, and other members such as Kandinsky and Marianne von Werefkin had to relocate.

Despite its brief existence, The Blue Rider left a significant impact on the art world. Their work and philosophies influenced many subsequent art movements and schools, including the Bauhaus. Today, their artwork is displayed in various museums, including the Städtische Galerie in the Lenbachhaus in Munich, where an extensive collection of their paintings is exhibited.

For art collectors and enthusiasts, The Blue Rider represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern art, marked by a move towards abstraction and a deep philosophical engagement with the spiritual and emotional dimensions of artistic expression​.

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