Prague Exhibition Revives Legacy of Avant-Garde Artists Bergman and Hartung

Prague is currently hosting a landmark exhibition titled "And We’ll Never Be Parted" that brings together the works of Anna-Eva Bergman and Hans Hartung, two pivotal figures in the European avant-garde art movement. The exhibition, which opened at the Kunsthalle gallery, showcases 350 pieces, including paintings, photographs, and personal artifacts that illustrate the complex relationship and artistic journeys of the couple. This event marks the first time their works have been reunited in such a comprehensive manner since their individual successes in the mid-20th century.

Born in Stockholm in 1909, Anna-Eva Bergman trained in both Oslo and Paris, where she met German artist Hans Hartung. Hartung, born in Leipzig in 1904, quickly gained acclaim for his abstract expressionist style, characterized by his unique use of lines and forms. The couple's relationship was tumultuous, marked by a separation in 1937 that allowed them both to evolve as artists before they remarried in 1952. The exhibition features an extraordinary breakup letter from Bergman that articulates her desire for independence as an artist—a theme that resonates throughout her work.

According to Theo Carnegy-Tan, a curator of the exhibition, "Without the separation, they wouldn’t have developed as artists in the way they did. They needed the time apart." This sentiment echoes the broader narrative of how personal experiences, including their battles against fascism and their individual artistic growth, shaped their contributions to art.

The historical context of their lives during World War II adds depth to the exhibition. Hartung was enlisted in the French foreign legion after refusing to serve in the German army, sustaining severe injuries during combat. Meanwhile, Bergman went into hiding to escape Nazi capture. Their experiences during this tumultuous period influenced their artistic output significantly, with Bergman drawing inspiration from her surrounding Norwegian landscapes and Hartung utilizing his war experiences to inform his work.

The exhibition also highlights the gradual rediscovery of Bergman's work, which had been overshadowed by her husband's acclaim. According to Pierre Wat, co-curator of the show, "It wouldn’t have been right for this reunion to take place until they are treated as equals." This statement underscores the ongoing efforts to re-evaluate Bergman's contributions to art history, which have gained momentum in recent years, culminating in major retrospectives at prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in Paris in 2023 and the National Museum in Oslo in 2024.

As viewers traverse the two floors of the Kunsthalle gallery, they are invited to engage with not only the artistic legacy of Bergman and Hartung but also the intertwined narratives of love, separation, and artistic freedom that defined their lives. This exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of how personal relationships and historical circumstances can profoundly influence creative expression, offering a fresh lens through which to view the evolution of abstract art in Europe during the 20th century.

The exhibition runs until the end of the year, providing a unique opportunity for art lovers and historians alike to explore the depth of creativity that emerged from a partnership that, despite its challenges, fostered some of the most significant work in modern art.