New Exhibition Honoring Lotte Laserstein – One of the 20th Century’s Great Realists
This winter, Kalmar Castle will highlight one of the 20th century’s significant realist artists. On December 11th, the exhibition ”I, the Artist Lotte Laserstein” will open, telling the story of a versatile artist with strong connections to Kalmar and Öland.
Lotte Laserstein’s Journey
Lotte Laserstein rose to prominence in 1920s Berlin but was forced to flee to Sweden in 1937 due to her Jewish background. After spending many summers on Öland, she permanently settled in Kalmar in 1957, where she continued to paint portraits, landscapes, and still lifes, becoming a respected artist.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition at Kalmar Castle is divided into two parts:
Part One: Biographical Journey
Visitors will experience a chronological biography of Lotte Laserstein’s life, from her upbringing in Germany, through her escape to Stockholm during World War II, to her life in Kalmar and Öland. Personal items borrowed from Kalmar County Museum and private individuals will be displayed, along with excerpts from her letters to family and friends.
Part Two: Artistic Works
The second part focuses on Lotte Laserstein’s art during her time in Kalmar and Öland. The exhibition will primarily showcase portraits, but also include still lifes, sketches, and landscapes. Works are borrowed from Kalmar Art Museum, Nybro Municipality, and Kalmar County Administrative Board, with many pieces from private collections.
”I am overwhelmed by the response we’ve received! More people than we could have ever imagined have offered to lend their works. Thanks to these generous individuals, we can showcase Lotte Laserstein’s incredible breadth and display paintings that have never been exhibited before,” says Meg Nömgård, Castle Director.
Additional Events
Several regional actors will be highlighting Lotte Laserstein this autumn and winter, including:
- A new music theater performance about her life, ”Lotte Laserstein, Berlin–Räpplinge”, premiering on December 12th
- A commemoration event at Räpplinge Church on her birthday, November 28th
- Lectures and activities related to the exhibition after the New Year
- A permanent exhibition in Kulturhuset Strömmen’s foyer
About Lotte Laserstein
- Born 1898, died 1993
- German-Swedish painter, considered one of the 20th century’s great realists
- One of the first women to graduate from Berlin’s Art Academy
- Built a summer cottage in Strandtorpshage, Öland in 1955
- Permanently resided in Kalmar from 1957
- Buried in Räpplinge Church cemetery
The exhibition ”I, the Artist Lotte Laserstein” will be on display from December 11th, 2025, to February 22nd, 2026, in the Sturesalen at Kalmar Castle.
