Between Shock and Beauty: The Birth of Abstraction as an Online Lecture

Between Shock and Beauty: How Abstraction Redefined Art

This online lecture takes you right into one of the most exciting turning points in art history: the birth of abstract painting. At its center is Wassily Kandinsky and the question of why the departure from representation was perceived so radically and yet continues to evoke fascination to this day. The event will take place on June 30, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:00, is free of charge, and will be conducted via the Edudip platform. ([gelsenkirchen.de](https://www.gelsenkirchen.de/de/_meta/veranstaltungskalender/95956-zwischen-schock-und-schoenheit-die-geburt-der-abstraktion))

The Hour in Which the Picture Lost Its Figure

Abstraction at the beginning of the 20th century did not mean the loss of art, but rather its discovery in new freedom. Shapes, colors, and lines detached from the visible world and became independent carriers of expression. The lecture recalls how Kandinsky's early experiments were perceived as a scandal in 1910 and simultaneously opened the way to modernity. ([gelsenkirchen.de](https://www.gelsenkirchen.de/de/_meta/veranstaltungskalender/95956-zwischen-schock-und-schoenheit-die-geburt-der-abstraktion))

An Artistic Experience Between Idea and Feeling

It is precisely in the examination of the works that the power of abstraction is revealed: color becomes sound, surface becomes tension, composition becomes spiritual space. The lecture by art historian and art educator Nicole Klemens M.A. places this development in an art historical context and connects expertise with illustrative museum education. The event is created in cooperation with the vhs Böblingen-Sindelfingen. ([gelsenkirchen.de](https://www.gelsenkirchen.de/de/_meta/veranstaltungskalender/95956-zwischen-schock-und-schoenheit-die-geburt-der-abstraktion))

Digital, Clear, and Easily Accessible

As an online format, the event is aimed at anyone who wishes to engage with art history, modern painting, and cultural education in a well-founded manner. All that is required is an internet-capable device and speakers or headphones. The access data will be sent via email with the registration confirmation. ([gelsenkirchen.de](https://www.gelsenkirchen.de/de/_meta/veranstaltungskalender/95956-zwischen-schock-und-schoenheit-die-geburt-der-abstraktion))

Conclusion

Those who want to understand why abstract art is both irritating and inspiring will find here a compact, knowledgeable introduction to a key phase of modernity. This free lecture promises not only art historical orientation but also an aesthetic experience that fundamentally changes the perspective on painting, form, and meaning. Definitely participate online. ([gelsenkirchen.de](https://www.gelsenkirchen.de/de/_meta/veranstaltungskalender/95956-zwischen-schock-und-schoenheit-die-geburt-der-abstraktion))

Official Channels of Nicole Klemens:

• Instagram: no official profile found
• Facebook: no official profile found
• YouTube: no official profile found
• Website: no official profile found

Sources:

• Between Shock and Beauty: The Birth of Abstraction - City of Gelsenkirchen
• VHS Gelsenkirchen - Info and Registration
• GelsenkirchenStadt - YouTube
• City of Gelsenkirchen - X/Twitter