Gabriele Münter (1877–1962) was a central figure in early 20th-century German modernism, celebrated for her daring use of colour and her inventive interpretations of landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. A key member of the avant-garde Blaue Reiter circle, Münter explored the boundaries between representation and abstraction, capturing everyday life with both immediacy and expressive flair.

Contours of a World, on view at the Guggenheim Museum in New York until 26 April, brings together a remarkable selection of Münter’s work, highlighting how her travels and interactions with different communities shaped her vision. From intimate interiors to bustling village streets and sunlit landscapes, her paintings transform ordinary moments into vibrant, modernist compositions.

Münter’s style is distinguished by its bold colour, simplified forms, and rhythmic lines, all of which convey the energy and warmth of the world she observed. While deeply modern in approach, her work remains accessible, offering a sense of connection to the people, places, and experiences that inspired her.

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to trace Münter’s artistic journey and witness the enduring power of her vision. For anyone interested in the evolution of modern art, Contours of a World is a vivid, immersive experience of one of the period’s most original and influential painters.

Image: Gabriele Münter. Head of a Young Girl (Junges Mädchen), 1908, Image credit: Courtesy Des Moines Art Center.