Artwork Description

Title: Kreuze B1 – B4
Artist: Reiner Kallhardt
Date: 2011–2012
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 35.4 x 35.4 in (90 x 90 cm) each

1. Artwork Identification
Kreuze B1 – B4 is a powerful four-part composition by German artist Reiner Kallhardt, executed between 2011 and 2012. Each canvas in this series measures 90 x 90 cm and presents a rigorously constructed matrix of rectangles and bars rendered in a striking palette of electric blue, vivid orange, and deep brown. These contrasting color blocks are arranged in a systematic grid pattern, forming a rhythmic visual interplay that anchors the viewer's gaze while inviting closer formal analysis.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Rooted in the traditions of Concrete Art and Color Field Painting, Kallhardt’s work builds upon the geometric clarity of Bauhaus and Minimalist aesthetics. The Kreuze series reflects a disciplined approach to compositional logic and chromatic tension, echoing the work of Josef Albers and Ellsworth Kelly. In this suite, the juxtaposition of warm and cool tones—orange and blue—creates a dynamic visual pulse, with each square exploring variations in hue, density, and symmetry.

3. Historical Context
Created in the second decade of the 21st century, Kreuze B1 – B4 aligns with a wider resurgence of interest in geometric abstraction, both in European and international contexts. As digital design aesthetics gained prominence, Kallhardt’s canvases offered a counterpoint—tactile, meditative, and grounded in the tradition of hand-painted precision. This series also resonates with the enduring legacy of 20th-century abstraction in post-war German art, particularly within Constructivist and Concrete traditions.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
All four canvases are in very good condition. The surfaces show no signs of cracking, fading, or restoration. Color layers remain vibrant, with strong structural integrity along edges and corners. The paint application is consistent and crisp, testifying to the artist’s meticulous technique and material control.

6. Artistic Significance
Kreuze B1 – B4 exemplifies Reiner Kallhardt’s ongoing exploration of visual structure and chromatic interaction. Through minimalist means, he achieves maximal perceptual complexity, affirming the enduring vitality of geometric abstraction. As a cohesive set, the quartet not only underscores Kallhardt’s disciplined vision but also enhances its architectural presence—making it an ideal acquisition for collectors and institutions seeking rigorously conceptual, visually arresting contemporary abstraction.