Russian Modernism: Cross-Currents of German and Russian Art, 1907–1917

This accompaniment to a recent show at New York's Neue Galerie tells the fascinating story of interaction between the radical modernist movements in Russia and Germany in the early 20th century. Germany's newly formed expressionist movement groups such as Die Brucke and Blaue Reiter were intertwined with Russian counterparts in the Jack of Diamonds and the Donkey's Tail. Each country's artists acknowledged a French influence, but their concern for directness and a new simplicity, often expressed in bold colors and a new decorative quality, marked a new approach. Organized by Akinsha (ART-news; Nationalmuseum, Nuremberg), the exhibition draws from the Galerie's own collection as well as major international private collections. Essays by eminent art historians explore the individual artists and the continual interplay and cross-fertilization of the period, as well as its continuing influence. Short artist biographies with photographs give a touch of immediacy to the work, and the excellent illustrations are a delight.