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She masterfully captures the light as it breaks through the clouds. The water of the river ripples gently, while smoke rises from chimneys in the background. Tina Blau (1845–1916) is rightly considered one of the most important landscape painters of her time in Austria.

She exhibited her works at world exhibitions, was represented at international exhibitions, and received numerous awards. Traveling across Europe gave her a wealth of new impressions and changed her color palette. The professionalization of artistic training for women was particularly close to her heart: she taught in Munich and Vienna.

In cooperation with the Museum Pfalzgalerie Kaiserslautern, the Kunstmuseum Ahlen is presenting the first museum exhibition of Tina Blau's work in Germany. It is an opportunity to discover an artist who took an extraordinary path in her time and knew how to assert herself with expertise and self-confidence in a field that was extremely difficult for women.

We combine our excursion into the 19th century with an artistic intervention by Rosa M Hessling, whose light works promise intense visual experiences. The artist draws inspiration from the Moselle landscape, from water reflections and mirror images. This preoccupation with nature and light phenomena connects her with her colleague from Vienna. In combination with the impressionist paintings of Tina Blau, a touching beauty unfolds—once again revealing the possibilities for experience that art has to offer.

In cooperation with the Museum Pfalzgalerie Kaiserslautern.

A comprehensive catalogue on the life and work of Tina Blau has been published to accompany the exhibition. An interview with Rosa M Hessling provides further insight into the present day. Available at the museum ticket office for 34 euros. (Concessionary price available only in person)

Thanks to

With
Works
by

Ida Gerhardi | Ida Giesecke | Käthe Kollwitz | Rosa M Hessling | Tina Blau

Media

 

Deutschlandfunk 
„Im Freien – Tina Blau. Eine Impressionistin aus Wien, 
Ausstellung in Ahlen“ 
(Kultur heute, 11. Juli 2026)
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WDR 3
„Im Freien. Die österreichische Malerin Tina Blau in Ahlen“ 
(WDR 3 Mosaik, 11. Juli 2026)
Listen