Ayeye! Ruth Baumgarte im Iwalewahaus

This new, richly illustrated book explores Ruth Baumgarte’s vision of the human being, from her early works created during the Second World War to the intensely coloured Africa compositions of her later years. In her oeuvre, the experiences of the twentieth century are condensed into a visual reflection on threat and renewal, equally on human ity’s responsibility toward nature and society. Over four decades, Baumgarte (1923–2013) devel oped a distinct visual language born of existential urgency, ultimately culminating in her Africa cycle. She made more than forty journeys to Africa, where, with a keen eye for people and relationships, she engaged with post-colonial realities, social inequali ties and cultural identity. Presented as a dialogue with contemporary African artists, this volume explores Baumgarte’s biography and broader humanity, together with the global perspective.