Documenta 1

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documenta 1 was the first in a series of renowned documenta exhibitions, showcasing modern and contemporary art in Kassel, Germany. The first documenta was initiated by the painter and educator Arnold Bode and was held from 16 July until 18 September 1955.

documenta 1 took a mainly historical and reconstructive approach, showcasing the most influential artists and groups since the beginning of the 20th Century. Movements such as fauvism, cubism, expressionism, futurism, pittura metafisica and the Blaue Reiter group were represented. The exhibition was a direct and obvious comment on the infamous Nazi propaganda exhibition "Degenerate Art" ("Entartete Kunst") held in 1937.

With 130,000 visitors, this first major post-war international modern art exhibition became an unexpected success.