Günter Fruhtrunk in Paris

In 1951, the young Günter Fruhtrunk undertook a study trip to Paris. Shortly before, he had finished his studies and could show his first solo exhibitions in galleries. Paris was to change his life. First he found employment in the studio of Fernand Léger, then in 1954 he moved to Paris on a Franco-German scholarship, where he remained until 1967. Fruhtrunk was an abstract painter and graphic artist whose geometric forms have become iconic. Personal views are not to be found in the works; the artist is concerned with the »liberation of seeing«. About 40 works from the 1950s and 1960s are now on display at the Lenbachhaus in Munich. The exhibition Günter Fruhtrunk, the Paris Years (1954-1967) runs from November 21, 2023 to April 7, 2024.

Fruhtrunk is today one of the best-known German artists of the post-war period. In 1967, an appointment as professor took him to his native Munich, where he worked until the end of his life. Fruhtrunk committed suicide in 1982. He suffered severe pain throughout his life, the result of war injuries. In 1968, the artist was a participant in the 4th documenta in Kassel and the 34th Venice Biennale, which made him internationally known.