Poster for the First Phalanx Exhibition by Wassily Kandinsky, 1901

Wassily Kandinsky’s Plakat für die erste Ausstellung der Phalanx (1901) introduces us to the artist at a pivotal, pre-abstraction moment. Designed to promote the inaugural exhibition of the Munich-based Phalanx group he helped establish, this expressive poster captures the turn-of-the-century shift toward modern art. While Kandinsky would soon champion pure abstraction, here he channels the Art Nouveau spirit—uniting ornament, image, and bold lettering—to command attention in the bustling visual culture of early 1900s Europe.

This listing offers a museum-quality fine art print of Kandinsky’s early exhibition poster, produced on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Available in a range of sizes from intimate to statement-making, each print can be ordered unframed or expertly framed and ready to hang. The Unique Maps Co. also provides personalization options—custom sizing, border and caption requests, and curated framing selections—so you can tailor the piece for your space or as a distinctive gift.

About the artist: Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) stands among the most influential figures of the avant-garde, celebrated for pioneering nonobjective painting. In 1901, however, he was still forging his visual language—balancing figurative clarity with restless experimentation. As a founder of Phalanx, Kandinsky advocated for progressive art and design, cultivating exhibitions and instruction that would lay the groundwork for his later breakthroughs.

Why this poster matters: Created for the first Phalanx exhibition, the image embodies the innovation of early 20th-century graphic design, where art met function on the city street. It distills the era’s modern priorities—legible typography, striking contrast, and captivating imagery—into a single, cohesive statement. As a document of both Kandinsky’s career and the broader cultural momentum of 1901 Munich, the work speaks to the excitement of a new artistic century.

Color and style: Dominated by atmospheric blues and turquoise, with accents of black and beige, the composition feels both serene and electric. Curvilinear lines, circular motifs, and sinuous, organic forms—hallmarks of Art Nouveau—flow together, while crisp white outlines and bold black strokes heighten definition. Hints of the celestial and the mythical deepen the poster’s magnetism, signaling the spiritual curiosity that would eventually guide Kandinsky’s abstract vision. The interplay of ornament and geometry gives the print an elegant rhythm, making it a striking focal point in modern, eclectic, or vintage-inspired interiors.

As a gift, this fine art print is a thoughtful choice for admirers of modern art, graphic design, and Art Nouveau alike—perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, Christmas, or to welcome home a traveler inspired by Munich’s artistic heritage.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.