Irma Stern: A modern Artist between Berlin and Cape Town

Irma Stern’s (1894-1966) legacy continues to grow globally. Her painting Arab Priest (1945) was acquired by Qatar Museums Authority in 2011, and her work featured in the main exhibition at the 2024 Venice Biennale, cementing her status as a master of modern art.

We are pleased to share that, Dr. Alastair Meredith, Senior Art Specialist at Strauss & Co and Head of Department , will share his insights on Stern’s enduring impact and market significance at the Brücke Museum’s upcoming exhibition Irma Stern: A Modern Artist between Berlin and Cape Town – the first major museum survey of her work in Berlin, the city where her artistic journey began on Saturday, 12 July 2025, from 1 to 5 pm.

Irma Stern (1894-1966) was a South African artist who introduced German Expressionism to the country after studying in Berlin in the 1910s. Initially met with harsh criticism for her bold, innovative style, she persevered to become one of South Africa’s most celebrated artists. Her “golden period” was marked by extensive travels throughout Africa, particularly her transformative visits to Zanzibar in 1939 and 1945, which produced some of her most acclaimed works. By the 1950s, Stern had gained international recognition, representing South Africa at four Venice Biennales and receiving the prestigious Guggenheim Award in 1961.

Welcome and introduction
1 pm
Lisa Marei Schmidt, Director, Brücke-Museum
Lisa Hörstmann, Co-Curator

Programme
1.30 – 4 pm
Umgababa – Irma Sterns erstes Reisebuch
Lecture by Irene Below, Art Historian (in German) South African Perspectives on Irma Stern