Emy Roeder (1890–1971) was one of the 20th century’s most renowned sculptors. Showing remarkable consistency, she used only a few motifs to develop a figurative visual language that is quite her own. Her figures are based on nature, but subjected to an ever-increasing stylization. Throughout her life, Roeder sought to capture the essentials of human and natural existence in her works: inner quiet and strength, tenderness, love, and the need for protection, but also deep loneliness. Despite the mostly small-scale formats of her female nudes and draped figures, her groups of friends and siblings, like her animal sculptures, radiate a natural, balanced presence that captivates the viewer.
The catalogue provides an overview of Emy Roeder’s complete sculptural oeuvre, from her early expressive works through the impressive figures of her later years that were inspired by trips to Africa. The sculptures are situated in an exciting dialogue with the artist’s drawings, which she tended to view as independent works of art, rather than as just sketches or models.