What was the artistic ideology of the Bauhaus - Assignment Example

?What was the artistic ideology of the Bauhaus? What political ideas influenced the approach of the Bauhaus conceptions of art and architecture? Why did the Bauhaus have to close down its Berlin institute? The primary artistic ideology of the Bauhaus was to use art synergistically within architecture in order to revolutionize the world of architecture in Germany. According to the Bauhaus, art was supposed to bring creativity and modernity in modern architecture (Forgacs 197). This came in time when art and creativity in Germany has been overly suppressed by the previous leadership regime claiming that art in modern architecture was a form of communism. Bauhau’s idea was that art should be helpful to the society in all aspects including architecture. The ideology was that architecture could be approached from an artistic direction such that the resultant architectural designs would represent modernity and most importantly, be a tool of making more meaningful and useful buildings. However, the politics of constructivism, modernism were, evidently, behind Bauhaus conceptions of art and architecture. Bauhaus strongly argued that Bauhaus was apolitical in nature. However, the ideology came at a time when German was undergoing constructivism and modernism. These two functions were politically driven since the ideologies of German leadership at the time determined the future of Germany through supporting or suppressing such ideologies. Therefore, the desire of Bauhaus to shape the future of German architecture through art was based on politics of constructivism and modernism. Sadly, Bauhaus had to close down its Berlin institute in April 1933 following pressure from Nazi regime. Actually, the pressure for demobilization of Bauhaus began before even the Nazi regime came to power. They accused Bauhaus of “Un-German” approach to architecture and made claims of negative influence from the western nations. How did the World War One and its aftermath (inflation, rise of political extremism, etc) influence the artistic production of artists such as Otto Dix, Max Beckmann, George Grosz and Laszio Moholy-Nagy? Interestingly, most of the German artists who were active after World War One were influenced by the war to express their ideas through art. For instance, Otto Dix was actively involved in World War One and was greatly affected by the war. Otto Dix, Max Beckmann, George Grosz and Laszio Moholy-Nagy had one thing in common in that they all had ideologies that contradicted the ideologies of the Nazi regime. Therefore, their art of expressionism faced political extremism to the extent that some of them had to either quit their art or change it to a more favorable art depending on the political climate. For instance, Dix was branded a degenerate artist as was barred from producing art of expressionism against the ruling regime. These artists had to reduce their level of criticism of the Nazi ideologies. Dix's work including “The Trench and War cripples” were destroyed by the Nazi regime. Likewise, over 500 artwork pieces belonging to Max Beckmann were impounded during Hitler’s regime through claims of degenerate art. Laszio Moholy-Nagy felt the pinch of political extremism when Bauhaus was overly criticized and suppressed. Whereas inflation affected virtually everybody in Germany, artistic productions were also affected. The most affected artists were George Grosz, Laszio Moholy-Nagy and other artists who were part of Bauhaus. Whereas modern and artistic architecture required heavy capital investment, funds became unavailable during the aftermath of World War One. Cost of production of artwork became high and therefore, the artists found it difficult to keep producing large volume of artwork during the inflation period. What is “Dada” and how did it both influence and reflect the Berlin of the 1920’s? Dada refers to an artistic and literary transformation that began during World War One. At the time, Switzerland being a neutral country acted as a safe haven for artists, intellectuals, and writers. When in Switzerland, these professional started expressing sentiments against the war. Their dissatisfaction was shown through artistic means. This was done through non-art, as art was perceived to have no meaning in the society. Their art had soft obscenities and small amount of humor. Their output varied from poetry, photography, sculpture, and painting. The dada revolution reflected what Germany was going through. In 1920’s Germany was experiencing a period of social, political, and economic upheavals. Berlin was going through a tough moment after a shameless defeat in First World War. There was also the problem of capitalism involvement in German affairs. Dada therefore became a prominent criticism tool to express dissatisfaction in Nazi ideologies and type of leadership. Social upheavals and revolution took place in Berlin after the end of war based on the influence of Dadaism. Some of the problems were blamed on capitalist leaders. The movement also focused on the on gender issues arising from oppression of women. Dada movement used various forms of art to depict the social alienation of women from mainstream political and social activities. Such issues included the right of women to vote, women independence in all aspects, and sexual liberty. Ideally, Dada was also the basis for the formation of Germany Communist Party. Among the many functions of Dada, it highlighted the effects of war such as inflation, economy downfall, and hopelessness resulting from the war. Define Bertolt Brechet’s concept of “Epic Theater” and “ Alienation Effect” and apply them to the “Three Penny Opera.” Why did he use these techniques? Epic theater is also known as theater of alienation. This is based on the use of live performance to reflect on political and social occurrence in a particular time of history. Bertolt Brecht’s a German is credited with this type of concept. In Epic theater concept, life is not portrayed as it exists but means of theater are used to demonstrate argument and social ideas. Bertolt Brecht plays were meant to remind the audience that they were watching performance. In his plays, there was no emotional attachment to the scenes and characters involved in the act. Actors involved had the opportunity to speak directly to the audience. The audience are given an opportunity to critically analyze the play. Moreover, characters are used to depict ideologies and themes. Epic theater and alienation effect was used in ‘Three Penny Opera’. The father of Peachum is used in this play to reflect the capitalist world attributes. Through Peachum father, the influences of capitalism are highlighted and audience is given an opportunity to think critically. The beggars are used in the play to show how the rich society or the capitalist world is exploiting its subject. This play also highlights the notion people had on property especially under the influence of capitalistic ideals. The accompaniment used in the play allows the audience to have an insight in the general theme of the play. Bertolt Brechet has used these techniques to reflect the social and political events during his period. At his time, there was a conflict between capitalist and communist world. In addition, he wanted the society to implement a social change and transformation. The Einstein Tower The Einstein tower is an important monument building found in Germany. It was built shortly after the end of First World War. This building was instrumental in Germany during the rise of expressionist ideas. Inside the building, there is a solar observatory area. The designer of this tower was a Jew known as Erich Mendelsohn. The construction of the tower was slowed for sometime due to the effects experienced in Germany after the end of First World War but was completed in 1924. On its completion, it was named after Einstein a prominent person in the history of physics. Initially, it was Astrophysicist Erwin Finlay idea to experiment on Albert Einstein theory of relativity. Freudlich for a long time pondered on the structure that could befit technical requirements for the particular idea. Mendelson took over the idea from Freundlich after he explained to him about the theory of general relativity. Mendelson used his architectural knowledge in designing the tower and he ensured that scientific aspect was met by the tower. Telescope was mounted on separate foundation in the tower for the purpose of security. The building is a true reflection of expressionist architecture generally adopted during this period in Germany history. Various technological advancement are reflected on various structures that constitute this building. The concept of mathematics and physics are shown in various shapes and curves found on the tower. During the reign of Nazi, this tower was under threat as anti-Semitism dominated this period. Some pictures and sculptures were damaged. However, the lost glory was recovered after the end of Second World War Expressionism Expressionism emerged in the last half of 19th century. However, its influence was from 1905 to 1933. In Germany, it was widespread in various cities. Expressionism resulted from anxiety on increasingly disharmony with the world, and absence of originality. It was influenced by the expressive and symbolist trend in the last decades of 19th century art. This movement influenced various people but the most important figure includes Vincent Van Gogh, Edward Munch, and James Ensor. They generally used colors and symbols to depict various occurrences that took place during their time. The archetypal phase of the movement was period from 1905 to 1920. After this, it spread to the rest of Europe. In Germany, the best part of 20th century was influenced by abstract expressionism. Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and his contemporaries founded the German expressionist movement. They challenged the traditional academic styles of fine art. They relied on conventional form of art such as woodcarvings to express their manifesto, and they managed to evoke reactions. After the world war one, expressionism continued to influence a number of artists in Germany. However, expressionism faced criticism from the dada movements that it had lost touch with the active people in society. On the other hand, it continued to thrive in Germany under persistent pressure. Expressionisms continued to shape Germany art later in the 20th century. The revival of expressionism in 1960’s was important as it led to global neo-expressionist seen in 1980’s. This movement also found its ways in other countries of Europe and America. Read More