Galka Scheyer, born Emilie Esther Scheyer to a Jewish family in Braunschweig, Germany, was known as “The Maven of Modernism” and “Prophetess of the Blue Four,” according to a May 1 statement. She became an important agent, dealer, curator, and educator for modern art.
Scheyer originally trained as an artist but changed her path after meeting Russian expressionist Alexei Jawlensky. Jawlensky was recognized for his use of color and abstract heads inspired by Russian Orthodox icons. After being forced to leave Germany in 1914 due to war, he moved to Switzerland where he developed a close friendship with Scheyer.
Jawlensky gave her the name Galka and introduced her to other artists including Lyonel Feininger, Vassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee. These four artists became known as “The Blue Four.” Beginning in 1924, Scheyer promoted their work throughout the United States. She started her efforts in Oakland before moving them to Los Angeles where she organized lectures and exhibitions using pieces from her own collection.
In 1931, Scheyer moved into Rudolf Schindler’s King’s Road House in West Hollywood and later commissioned architect Richard Neutra to design a combined home and gallery above Hollywood’s Sunset Plaza. Her collection grew over time and is now housed at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. The museum features works by Jawlensky along with pieces by Picasso, Diego Rivera, Imogen Cunningham, among others.
A current exhibit at the Norton Simon Museum titled “Dear Little Friend: Impressions of Galka Scheyer” focuses on her legacy through letters, photographs, paintings and drawings that highlight her relationships with artists she supported. Journalist Victoria Thomas described Scheyer as “Short in height… often clad in ethnic and folkloric clothes à-la Frida Kahlo … she was said to be shrill…with a speaking voice that could etch glass.” Photographer Edward Weston called her “the ideal ‘go-between’ for the artist and his public.”
Scheyer died from cancer in Hollywood at age 56 after two decades promoting The Blue Four’s art across America.
