Daring Visions – George Minne and Léon Spilliaert

The fascinating and mystical pictorial worlds of the Symbolists George Minne (1866-1941) and Léon Spilliaert (1881-1946) are the focus of the exhibition. For the first time, it juxtaposes two bold pioneers of modernism whose work marks the transition from Symbolism to Expressionism through formal reduction and color concentration.

We are focusing on two artists who are highly revered in their native Belgium, but who are still known to only a few in Germany. Based on our collection of Symbolism, which is unique in this country and internationally recognized, we take a first and surprising look at this groundbreaking epoch in Belgium. On the basis of around 70 paintings and sculptures, some of which are rarely or never before shown, from public and private collections in Germany and abroad, their influence on the art of the 20th century will be explored.

Museum case for the exhibition

The Museum Suitcases of the Belgium Center and the Art Department of the University of Paderborn let you experience the work and life of the two Belgian Symbolists with all your senses. Unusual perspectives and insights offer their own access to the exhibition.