Zerreißprobe. Art Between Politics and Society. Nationalgalerie Collection 1945–2000

The art of the second half of the 20th century is defined by a remarkable diversity of materials, media, and methods. At the same time, few eras were so profoundly shaped by division and fragmentation — but also by renewal. Under the title "Zerreißprobe. Art Between Politics and Society," the Nationalgalerie presents a major exhibition drawn from its own collection, spanning the years 1945 to 2000.

The show traces how artists responded to the political and social upheavals of their time, from the aftermath of World War II through the Cold War, the division of Germany, and the transformations that followed. Works in a wide range of media — painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and more — reflect the tensions, contradictions, and creative energies of an era caught between opposing forces.