Love at First Sight, Again

In the heart of Prague, a powerful love story is unfolding—not through whispered romance, but through bold strokes of paint, abstract forms, and the echoes of a creative partnership that reshaped European modern art. The latest exhibition at the National Gallery Prague titled “It was love at first sight, again” celebrates the passionate, prolific, and complex relationship between avant-garde artists Anna-Eva Bergman and Hans Hartung—a couple whose love for each other and for the act of creation defied norms and expectations.

This immersive exhibition has quickly become a cultural hotspot in Europe, drawing in art lovers, historians, and curious minds seeking to understand how two individuals could influence not just each other but the trajectory of 20th-century abstract art.

A Tale of Two Artists – and Two Marriages

The title of the exhibition is more than poetic—it’s historical. Bergman and Hartung married twice, separated once, and yet always circled back to each other, like brushstrokes on canvas destined to meet again.

Hans Hartung, a German-French painter and decorated war veteran, was known for his energetic, gestural abstraction—art that spoke of movement, war, and emotion. Anna-Eva Bergman, on the other hand, was a Norwegian-born artist whose work leaned toward the serene and spiritual, heavily inspired by nature, Scandinavian landscapes, and the cosmos. Despite their contrasting artistic languages, their works shared a silent harmony, a visual rhythm that only soulmates could achieve.

Their reunion in the 1950s marked the beginning of an intense collaborative and creative era. They settled in Antibes, France, where they built a house-studio, producing some of their most iconic works side-by-side. The Prague exhibition captures this synergy perfectly, juxtaposing their paintings to reveal the dialogue between two artistic minds in love.

Highlights from the Prague Exhibition

Curated with sensitivity and depth, the exhibition presents more than 80 pieces of artwork—ranging from monumental canvases to intimate sketches and handwritten letters. Each room tells a chapter of their story, from the early experimental days to their golden years of international recognition.

One of the central themes explored is duality—not just between masculine and feminine energies, but between chaos and calm, light and shadow, form and formlessness. For instance, Hartung’s aggressive black lines and dynamic splatters find a counterpoint in Bergman’s ethereal gold-leaf forms and muted tones. The curators have ensured that visitors experience this visual conversation with emotional impact.

Why This Exhibition Matters Today

In a world increasingly polarized, the story of Bergman and Hartung resonates deeply. They teach us that art and love are not always linear, nor are they confined by traditional boundaries. Their ability to support, challenge, and evolve with each other makes them icons not only of art but of enduring emotional partnership.

Moreover, their art touches on themes that are more relevant than ever in 2025: mental health, war, climate, and identity. Bergman’s minimalist representations of arctic fjords and lunar landscapes feel almost prophetic in a time of environmental crisis. Hartung’s expressive marks, some painted after losing a leg in World War II, speak to trauma, resilience, and healing.

This contextual relevance is exactly what makes the exhibition such an SEO powerhouse for searches related to modern European art, famous art couples, romantic art stories, and Prague 2025 cultural events.

A Cultural Moment You Shouldn’t Miss

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a romantic, or simply a traveler in Prague, “It was love at first sight, again” is an exhibition you shouldn’t miss. It’s a rare glimpse into the intimate world of two avant-garde legends who never stopped searching for beauty—both on canvas and in each other.

Their story is timeless, their art is ageless, and their influence continues to ripple across galleries and generations.

Final Thoughts

This exhibition is more than a tribute—it’s a living conversation between two spirits who redefined the language of abstraction. As the art world increasingly revisits forgotten or overshadowed voices, especially that of women like Anna-Eva Bergman, this show also represents a step toward balancing the narrative.