In Germany, Expressionism was primarily developed by artists' associations such as “Der Blaue Reiter” and “Die Brücke”. Few other expressionist artists' groups are known in this country beyond its borders. This changed with a comprehensive presentation of the artists' association “De Ploeg”, which was founded in Groningen in 1918. Young artists joined forces to turn the university city into a center of modernism. The name “De Ploeg” was intended to indicate that the land in the provincial town was being prepared for this purpose by plowing it up. The members organized joint studies, exhibitions, theater evenings and hoped that by joining forces they would gain more visibility to the outside world and more inspiration through exchange. In the 1920s, a varied expressionist style developed within the ranks of “De Ploeg”. The artists painted, drew and experimented with new printing techniques and designed everyday objects. Around 100 colorful paintings, expressive prints, individual sculptures and craft works by 15 artists were on display in the exhibition. Historical photographs, short wall texts and an audio guide led visitors through an exciting chapter of modernism in the Netherlands. The show was curated by Dr. Petra Lanfermann from the Städtische Galerie Bietigheim-Bissingen in cooperation with the Wenzel-Hablik-Museum, Itzehoe, the Angermuseum Erfurt and the Kunstmuseum Ahlen.
