Washington D.C.'s National Gallery of Art Delves into a Movement Shaped by Discontent
The National Gallery of Art's new exhibition, "The Anxious Eye: German Expressionism and Its Legacy," explores the artistic movement that emerged in Germany and Austria during the early 20th century. Curated by Shelley R. Langdale, the exhibit sheds light on how artists responded to the social and political turmoil of the era through the lens of printmaking.
The Kainen Collection's Lasting Impact
The exhibit draws heavily from the extensive print collection donated by Ruth Cole Kainen and her husband, Jacob Kainen. Their generosity has provided the National Gallery with a rich resource for understanding European and American art movements, with a particular focus on prints. "The Anxious Eye" showcases not only the Kainens' contributions but also other significant holdings within the museum's collection.
A Show Full of Surprises
While the exhibit features well-known Expressionist masters like Max Beckmann, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Käthe Kollwitz, it also introduces lesser-known figures like Walter Gramatté. Gramatté's haunting self-portrait, "The Great Anxiety," serves as a powerful emblem of the anxieties explored throughout the show.
Printmaking
The artists of the German Expressionist movement embraced printmaking for its connection to artistic tradition and its potential for experimentation. Kirchner's "Dr. Ludwig Binswanger" exemplifies this approach, utilizing bold lines and techniques that challenge the traditional woodcut aesthetic.
Emotional Intensity
A hallmark of German Expressionism is the raw emotional expression conveyed through distorted forms, angular bodies, and innovative techniques. Even seemingly serene works, such as self-portraits by Kollwitz and Beckmann, utilize dramatic tonal shifts to evoke a sense of unease.
Nature as Refuge
The exhibition explores the complex relationship between German Expressionists and the natural world. While some works, like Kirchner's "Women Bathing Between White Stones," depict nature as a source of solace, others portray nudes as a rejection of societal norms. The inclusion of landscapes by artists like Nolde and Heckel underscores the spiritual significance attributed to nature during this period.
Echoes in Modern Art
"The Anxious Eye" concludes with a section dedicated to contemporary artists influenced by German Expressionism. This section highlights the movement's ongoing relevance, with works by Georg Baselitz, Nicole Eisenman, Kerry James Marshall, and Orit Hofshi reflecting a similar intensity and willingness to confront societal issues. The exhibit prompts viewers to consider whether this artistic kinship stems from a shared response to art itself or a reflection of the enduring anxieties of our times.
A Global Movement's Relevance to American Audiences
The National Gallery's exhibition offers American audiences a window into a pivotal European art movement. By highlighting the anxieties and societal concerns that fueled German Expressionism, the show invites viewers to consider parallels between the early 20th century and our own. The exhibit's exploration of the human condition through art resonates across cultures and generations.
German Expressionism's Resonance in the US
The anxieties explored in "The Anxious Eye" hold particular significance for American audiences in the 21st century. The period leading up to World War I, a time marked by rapid industrialization, social stratification, and political upheaval, bears an unsettling resemblance to the challenges faced by the United States today. Income inequality, political polarization, and a sense of national unease create a fertile ground for artistic movements that grapple with similar themes.
Echoes of Discontent in Contemporary American Art
American art movements like Neo-Expressionism, which emerged in the 1980s, displayed a clear kinship with German Expressionism. Artists like Julian Schnabel and Jean-Michel Basquiat employed aggressive brushstrokes, distorted figures, and raw emotionality, reflecting the anxieties of the Cold War and the AIDS crisis. Similarly, contemporary artists continue to address social and political issues through their work. Kara Walker's silhouette paintings confront America's troubled racial past, while Kehinde Wiley's vibrant portraits challenge traditional notions of power and representation. These contemporary artists, like their Expressionist predecessors, utilize their craft to provoke thought and spark conversations about critical issues.
Expressionism's Impact on American Culture
The influence of German Expressionism extends beyond the art world. The movement's emphasis on emotional expression and social commentary resonates in American cinema. Films like Tim Burton's "Edward Scissorhands" and Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" utilize Expressionist aesthetics to depict dystopian societies and grapple with themes of alienation and social injustice. Even Hollywood blockbusters, like "The Dark Knight," borrow from Expressionist techniques to create a sense of unease and explore the complexities of human nature.
Art as a Catalyst for Change
"The Anxious Eye" serves as a powerful reminder of art's ability to reflect and respond to the anxieties of its time. By confronting the social and political turmoil of the early 20th century, German Expressionist artists not only documented their era but also challenged the status quo. The exhibition invites American audiences to engage with these works and consider their own role in addressing contemporary issues. The raw emotion and social commentary embedded within German Expressionism serve as a call to action, urging viewers to question, engage, and potentially work towards a more just and equitable society.
Conclusion
The National Gallery of Art's "The Anxious Eye" offers a compelling exploration of German Expressionism and its enduring legacy. By delving into the movement's historical context and showcasing its influence on contemporary art, the exhibit prompts American viewers to consider the parallels between our own time and the period that birthed this artistic movement. Ultimately, "The Anxious Eye" celebrates the power of art to not only reflect the human condition but also challenge societal norms and inspire action.
