BONN.- The Kunstmuseum Bonn is currently hosting one of the most extensive solo presentations of Bruno Goller’s work to date, featuring 75 paintings and a curated selection of drawings. Goller, born in Gummersbach in 1901 and deceased in Düsseldorf in 1998, holds a unique place in 20th-century German and international art.

Rejecting contemporary trends, Goller remained steadfastly figurative throughout his career. His works evoke an enigmatic, almost magical quality, transforming everyday objects and scenes into symbols with new meanings. Childhood memories, particularly of his mother’s millinery shop, heavily influenced his distinct iconography. Common motifs in his work include mannequin-like female figures, hats, ribbons, and wardrobes.

After moving to Düsseldorf in 1927, Goller became a central figure in the city’s art scene. He was associated with Johanna Ey's gallery, a member of the artists' group Das Junge Rheinland, and co-founder of the Rheinische Sezession. Following World War II, he joined the faculty at the State Art Academy in Düsseldorf, teaching painting from 1953 to 1964. In 1959, he participated in the prestigious documenta II exhibition. His style anticipated neo-realist tendencies of the 1960s and 1970s, as seen in the works of his students Konrad Klapheck and Konrad Lueg. Despite these connections, Goller remained stylistically independent, unaffiliated with any artistic movement, including Surrealism or Neue Sachlichkeit.

This retrospective brings together works from museums and private collections to celebrate Goller’s contributions to 20th-century art. It aligns with the museum’s tradition of showcasing exceptional monographic painting positions, following past exhibitions of artists such as Raoul De Keyser, Mary Heilman, and Blinky Palermo.

A bilingual catalog accompanies the exhibition, featuring all displayed works and essays by Prof. Stephan Berg and Dr. Christoph Schreier, available for €30 at the museum.