BARLACH | KOLLWITZ – Nie wieder Krieg

The program accompanying the exhibition is being developed in cooperation with the Kulturkirche St. Katharinen in Osnabrück. It will take place partly in the Museumsquartier and partly on the premises of the church.

Never again war - Käthe Kollwitz' poster became an icon of the peace movement in 1924. A sad icon against the backdrop of ongoing wars and humanitarian disasters to this day. The suffering of the people affected is immeasurable.

The works in the exhibition, the works of Ernst Barlach and Käthe Kollwitz, speak of these people. But they also speak of the fact that hope for a socially just, peaceful world must not be abandoned.

Around 100 prints and sculptures by Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) and Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945) are on display in the MQ4's Oberlichtsaal. Three sculptures by Barlach - including the "Güstrow Memorial" known as the "Floating Angel" - will be on display in St. Catherine's Church for the duration of the exhibition.

Barlach and Kollwitz helped shape the cultural memory of the 20th century through their art. For both, the First World War prompted them to dedicate their work intensively to the public dialog for peace and justice. Their works tell of human suffering, but they also stand for the indelible hope for a better, more peaceful future.

The mutual respect and inspiration of Barlach and Kollwitz are evident. The exhibition shows the extraordinary artistic quality of both artists, the parallels and differences. At the same time, it reminds us that peace does not only mean the absence of war, but also requires an active commitment to justice, human rights and social responsibility.

"BARLACH | KOLLWITZ - Never Again War" is a cooperation with the Ernst Barlach Society Hamburg and is supported by the ifa - Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations, the Ernst Barlach Museums in Wedel and Ratzeburg as well as private lenders. The exhibition in the church was also made possible with the kind support of the Hanns Lilje Foundation, Hanover.

The program accompanying the exhibition is being developed in cooperation with the Kulturkirche St. Katharinen in Osnabrück. It will take place partly in the Museumsquartier and partly on the premises of the church.