Walter Ophey
1882 Eupen – 1930 Dusseldorf
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Short information about the artist
Alongside August Macke and Heinrich Nauen, Walter Ophey (1882-1930) is one of the most important representatives of Rhenish Expressionism. Born in Eupen, he developed into a formative figure of modern art in Germany.
Verkaufte Kunstwerke
More information about the artist
Alongside August Macke and Heinrich Nauen, Walter Ophey (1882-1930) is one of the most important representatives of Rhenish Expressionism. Born in Eupen, he developed into a formative figure of modern art in Germany.
The Sonderbund - the beginning of the modern art movement
From 1906, Walter Ophey exhibited his works and joined artists’ associations. In 1908, together with Julius Bretz, Max Clarenbach, August Deusser and Wilhelm Schmurr, he founded the “Sonderbund Westdeutscher Kunstfreunde und Künstler”. This group revolutionised the art scene by replacing academic painting with modernism. The Sonderbund publicised French painting in the Rhineland for the first time and also presented Ophey’s works at the 1910 World Exhibition in Brussels.
Walter Ophey in Paris - inspiration and change
Ophey travelled to Italy in 1910 and to Paris in 1911. The city fascinated him deeply and had a lasting influence on his art. In letters to his fiancée Dotty Bornemann, he impressively describes the atmosphere of Paris. He was particularly impressed by the artistic centre of Montparnasse, where he exchanged ideas with artists such as Richard Bloos and Alfred Mez. During his four-week stay, he visited museums, galleries, racecourses and theatres, which had a decisive influence on his artistic development.
"The Young Rhineland" - New artists' association
In 1919, Ophey was a co-founder of the artists’ group “Das Junge Rheinland”. He formed close friendships with artists such as Gerd Wollheim and Otto Freundlich. With works such as “Sauerland”, “Helles Dorf” and “Dorfkirche”, he established himself as a leading representative of German Expressionism in his own right. His style always remained differentiated and combined romantic-sacred elements with modern influences.
Ophey's unique drawings
Walter Ophey’s drawings had a similar function to photography for him – they were an approximation of the world. His works cannot be assigned to any particular movement. He began his linear chalk drawings as early as 1910, which he continued to develop into the 1920s. In 1927, he himself said: “Nothing is decorative in these sheets, they are neither expressionist, nor impressionist, nor objective.”
Painting - From nature to abstraction
Ophey’s painterly work developed from Symbolist beginnings to Neo-Impressionism and Expressionism. Although his art increasingly moved away from realistic depiction, nature always remained the starting point for his abstractions. Today, his works can be admired in numerous museums and impressively demonstrate his unique artistic signature.
Conclusion: Walter Ophey as a pioneer of modernity
Walter Ophey left behind an impressive body of work that makes him one of the most important German Expressionists. His participation in artists’ groups such as the Sonderbund and “Das Junge Rheinland” as well as his travels to Paris and Italy had a lasting impact on his art. His works are characterised by individuality, depth and an innovative visual language that still fascinates today.