Brutgruppe

Brutgruppe refers to a collective of German artists and architects who were active in the early 20th century, primarily in Berlin. The group emerged in the years following World War I, a period of significant social and artistic upheaval in Germany. Brutgruppe, meaning "Brutality Group" in German, embraced a raw and powerful aesthetic, often characterized by stark forms, unrefined materials, and a direct, unsentimental approach to subject matter.

The artists associated with Brutgruppe sought to express the harsh realities and anxieties of their time, rejecting the more decorative or idealized artistic trends. Their work often explored themes of urban life, industrial landscapes, and the human condition, presented with a visceral and confrontational quality. While not a formally organized movement with a manifesto, the artists shared a common artistic ethos and exhibited together on several occasions. Key figures associated with the group, though their precise membership varied, included artists and architects who were influential in the development of Expressionism and later movements. Their influence can be seen in the bold experimentation and critical engagement with contemporary society that characterized much of German art in the interwar period. The term "Brutgruppe" itself highlights their deliberate departure from traditional notions of beauty and refinement.