WHAT?  Expressionists: Kandinsky, Munter and The Blue Rider 

WHERE?  Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG

WHEN?  Now until 20th October 

WHY GO?  To be blown away!  If you only see one art exhibition this spring, make it this at Tate Modern.  Ground-breaking, it showcases a group of artists that transformed what we identify as Expressionist Art.  

Though Wassily Kandinsky will undoubtedly be the star draw, there are so many stars in this dazzling show. 

Franz Marc and his menagerie of animals, along with his wife Maria Frank’s imaginative depiction of children and the beautiful talented Marianne von Werefkin, who held court from her artistic salon are more than equal in stature and style. 

Werefkin’s image features throughout, painted by different artists including her own enigmatic self portrait; she was quite the Bohemian Russian aristocrat .

Kandinsky’s swirling improvisations are instantly recognisable and acknowledge his dependence on spirituality and music to help trigger his imaginative creative process.

This cosmopolitan group of artists created a movement and almanac called The Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) working out of Munich and Bavaria before the First World War.

Founded by Kandinsky and Franz Marc in 1911, the aim was to ‘summon all artists of the new era and rouse the layman to hear’.

And they certainly were aroused!  They were all considered too avant guard back then and disbanded in 1914 but not before some extraordinary paintings have left their mark for posterity in the history of art here now for us all to enjoy!

Fifty works have never been seen in the UK before, giving this exhibition extra kudos.

IN THE KNOW  The gallery gift shop has never looked more impressive.  So much colour, so many big names and so many opportunities to buy into just a little bit of the eclectic Der Blaue Reiter story. 

Awash with souvenirs, you may want a colourful Kandinsky swirly printed tray or Werefkin pocket mirror or a Tiger bag by Franz Marc for tiny tots.  The striking Tiger image is promoting the Expressionists exhibition and instantly summarises the whole event.