Barberini Museum in Potsdam Traces Kandinsky and Geometric Abstraction

The Kandinsky’s Universe: Geometric Abstraction in the 20th Century exhibition, which opened at the Barberini Museum in Potsdam, offers an immersive journey into the origins of abstract art. Centered around 12 significant works by Wassily Kandinsky, the exhibition highlights the artist’s 1925 piece Above and Left. Despite their complex shapes and symbols, these works achieve a surprising harmony, making viewers feel as if they are exploring a map of an invisible cosmic force. The exhibition lays bare the scattered beginnings of Geometric Abstraction, intersecting with movements like Suprematism and Cubism.

The exhibition gains momentum with Josef Albers’ Homage to the Squares series and continues with striking works by artists such as Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Frank Stella, and Bridget Riley. Frank Stella’s raw yet powerful squares and Bridget Riley’s visually deceptive waves elevate the exhibition’s energy to its peak. Starting with Kandinsky’s works, the exhibition concludes with bold experiments that flirt with optical illusions. Kandinsky’s Universe can be visited at the Barberini Museum in Potsdam until May 18.