Paar in Interieur 1917

Gabriele Munter made this painting, "Paar in Interieur," with oil on board. It’s got this incredible directness, like she just went for it, not worrying about perfection. The paint is laid on pretty flat, and you can almost feel the texture of the board underneath. I am drawn to the man's outstretched hand. It’s so open, almost desperate, and those fingers are practically radiating energy. What is he trying to say? Munter was part of the Blue Rider group, and you see that same interest in raw emotion here. It reminds me of some of Kirchner's street scenes, but with a quieter, more domestic anxiety. Ultimately, it's like she's captured a fleeting moment, full of unanswered questions.