Lobpreis: Von Wunderung Erfüllt 1970

Curator: Welcome. Here we have Gerhard Altenbourg’s 1970 woodcut and monotype print entitled “Lobpreis: Von Wunderung Erfüllt.” Editor: My first thought is how spectral the figures seem! The red and blue inks give it such an otherworldly feeling. There's something unsettling yet mesmerizing in their ambiguous forms. Curator: Well, consider that Altenbourg's artistic development occurred during a turbulent period in German history. The influence of German Expressionism is apparent in the print’s rough, almost primitive execution, something not uncommon with artists of the ‘Die Brücke’ group earlier in the century, when the movement was forming. Editor: Precisely. These woodcuts often challenge conventional aesthetics by depicting society’s most vulnerable subjects, which is exactly the mood I get from Altenbourg’s work here. He seems to be speaking to our contemporary unease about alienation in a society moving faster than we can handle. Curator: Indeed. And as a print, its accessibility allowed it to be displayed in various contexts, making it part of wider dialogues beyond traditional art institutions. Editor: Definitely, and to bring it to today’s issues: could we see this art piece speaking about displacement? Aren't these apparitions a great image to represent those whose identity is erased or ignored? Altenbourg creates powerful emotional connections to those pushed into the shadows. Curator: I understand your interpretation; however, the title offers another approach, focusing more on admiration and amazement. This can shift the emotional narrative towards a sense of awe or veneration. Editor: Fair point. Perhaps it is precisely that blend of admiration and unease, that creates a dialogue. And there is the fact the figures on either side appear in more familiar poses, they are “knowable,” perhaps framing that ambiguous figure as, you know, in the words of today, gender-nonconforming? Curator: I'm so glad that you see such possibilities too. It underlines how his artistic practice engaged with broad political conversations while fostering deep contemplation. Editor: Precisely, there are still conversations that we can start about inclusion in art. Curator: Agreed. Altenbourg’s ability to distill emotion and meaning through the combination of German Expressionism and printmaking is what really moves me, there are so many dialogues embedded in it.