Else Lasker-Schuler: Insight into the artistic heritage in the Grass House

Else Lasker-Schuler: Insight into the artistic heritage in the Grass House

An exciting special exhibition about the important artist and poet Else Lasker-Schuler has been presented in the Günter-Grass-Haus in Lübeck since June 26, 2025. This exhibition is dedicated to both her literary and graphic work and illuminates the multi-faceted personality of the artist who lived in the early 20th century and remains relevant today. Paula Vosse, the curator of the exhibition, provides atmospheric insights into Lasker-Schuler's work with a reading of the poem “Secretly at Night”. In addition, the heavy metal band “A Winter Lost” interprets the haunting poem “End of the World”, which offers a fresh, interactive approach to their work.

The exhibition shows numerous original drawings and texts by Lasker-Schuler. Visitors can also look forward to works by young artists who explore Lasker-Schuler's creativity and illustrate their influence on modern art. A standout piece is a 1942 drawing of a Tibetan dancer, a spectacular find that shows the diversity of her artistic expression. Historical photos also provide insights into her life and show her dressed as Prince Yussuf of Thebes - an example of her playful examination of identity and gender roles.

Dynamics of identity and gender roles

In her work, Else Lasker-Schuler not only questioned the gender roles that were common at the time, she also explored different identities and ways of life. After two marriages and raising her son alone, she found her place as an artist and built a life in art. Her experiences in exile in Jerusalem in 1933 due to her Jewish origins left their mark on her work. A life in exile and the melancholy of her loneliness shaped her artistic expression. She died shortly before the end of World War II, but left an impressive legacy.

The role of women in the Expressionist art movement is an often overlooked chapter in art history. While the movement was predominantly influenced by male artists, women like Lasker-Schuler often redefined the boundaries of expressionism. These artists challenged traditional work and opened up new perspectives on themes such as identity, emotions and human experience. With their own style, they contributed to the emotional depth and critical engagement with society that makes Expressionism so formative.

Insights into the exhibition

The exhibition in the Günter-Grass-Haus runs until November 9, 2025, and the admission prices are kept moderate at 8 euros (reduced 4 euros). Art lovers and those who would like to learn more about the life and works of this fascinating artist are warmly invited. In addition to Lasker-Schuler's works, manuscripts, letters and drawings from her archive can also be admired - such as the manuscript "To Ernest of Yesteryear" and the drawing "Dance in the Kibbutz", which shed an impressive light on her creativity. The Günter-Grass-Haus has been presenting the life and work of Else Lasker-Schuler since 2002, thereby helping to preserve and publicize her legacy.

This anniversary exhibition not only provides a deep insight into the creative work of Else Lasker-Schuler, but also challenges awareness of the underrepresented voices of women in art history. The influence of women artists on Expressionism is significant and deserves a fuller appreciation so that more people have the opportunity to discover these unheard stories.