The BYU Museum of Art hosted “Reconciliation: Biblical Imagination in German Expressionist Prints,” an exhibit that explores the intersection of faith, philosophy and art in early 20th-century Germany.
The gallery ran from March 15 to Oct. 19 and provided an opportunity to experience the artistic reflections of German artists of this time as they faced political and social upheavals.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Germany faced a significant transition in both religious and artistic expression. Friedrich Nietzsche's famous declaration that “God is dead” weighed heavily on the culture and people, according to the website for BYU Museum of Art.
Despite this movement, the artwork produced during this time remained deeply infused with biblical themes, offering a window into how German Expressionist artists found meaning and solace in sacred stories of scripture, the website said.
“There’s something incredibly beautiful and meaningful in seeing how these artists expressed themselves through familiar biblical stories,” BYU student Molly Pocock said. “Even though they lived over a hundred years ago, their struggles feel very relatable. The art forces you to stop, reflect and feel the emotions these artists poured into their work.”
The exhibit features pieces from the Bowden Collection, a private collection known for its focus on religious art.
“I see my collector's role as a calling — something that is critically important to do at this particular time,” Sandra Bowden, the collection's curator, explained on the exhibit’s website. “The strongest force behind my love for these pieces is the connection they give to the past. They allow me to be in conversation with artists who have gone before me, continuing the rich dialogue that has crossed barriers of time and culture.”
Bowden has shared her collection with a range of museums across the world, from the Duke Divinity School to the Museum of the Bible.
“Religious art needs exposure, and I feel it’s my duty to make these pieces accessible whenever possible," she added on her website. "These works inspire creative imagination and feed the soul spiritually.”
Artists such as Käthe Kollwitz and Max Beckmann are just a few of the expressionists featured in the collection, according to the exhibit's description.
As students and art enthusiasts walked through the gallery, they were invited to reflect on how these biblical stories, expressed through the emotions of Expressionism, continue to offer insight into the human condition, according to the website for BYU Museum of Art.
More information about the collection can be found on the Bowden Collections website.