Paul Klee

Paul Klee

Paul Klee, 1927

Paul Klee (18 December 1879 – 29 June 1940) was a Swiss-born German artist whose highly individual style was influenced by movements in art that included Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism. Klee was a natural draftsman who experimented with and eventually deeply explored color theory, writing about it extensively. His lectures, "Writings on Form and Design Theory," published in English as the "Paul Klee Notebooks," are considered as important for modern art as Leonardo da Vinci's "A Treatise on Painting" for the Renaissance.

Early Life and Education

Paul Klee was born in Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland, into a musical family. His father, Hans Wilhelm Klee, was a German music teacher, and his mother, Ida Marie Klee, was a Swiss singer. Klee was a talented violinist, receiving an invitation to play as an extraordinary member of the Bern Music Association at age 11. Despite his musical talent, Klee decided on a career in the visual arts.

In 1898, Klee began studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, where he was taught by Franz von Stuck. He completed his studies in 1901 and traveled to Italy, where he studied the master painters of the past.

Artistic Career

Klee's artistic career began in earnest in the early 1900s. He joined the group Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) in 1911, which was a movement that sought to express spiritual truths through art. Klee's work during this period was characterized by a focus on color and form, often incorporating elements of Cubism and Fauvism.

"My Room", 1896

In 1914, Klee visited Tunisia with fellow artists August Macke and Louis Moilliet. This trip was a turning point in his career, as he was profoundly influenced by the light and color of the North African landscape. Klee famously wrote in his diary, "Color has taken possession of me; no longer do I have to chase after it, I know that it has hold of me forever... Color and I are one. I am a painter."

Bauhaus and Later Work

In 1920, Klee was invited to teach at the Bauhaus school of art, design, and architecture in Weimar, Germany. At the Bauhaus, Klee taught courses on form and color theory, and his teaching had a significant impact on the development of modern art. His work during this period was characterized by a playful use of geometric shapes and a vibrant color palette.

"Flower Myth", 1918

Klee's work continued to evolve throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He experimented with various media, including oil paint, watercolor, ink, and pastel. His paintings often featured whimsical, childlike imagery, and he was known for his ability to convey complex ideas through simple forms.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1933, Klee was forced to leave Germany due to the rise of the Nazi regime, which labeled his work as "degenerate art." He returned to Switzerland, where he continued to work and exhibit his art. Despite suffering from a debilitating illness, Klee remained prolific until his death in 1940.

Klee's influence on modern art is profound. His exploration of color theory and his innovative use of form and line have inspired countless artists. His work is held in major collections around the world, and he is regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

Paul Klee, 1916

Also see

• Expressionism
• Cubism
• Surrealism
• Bauhaus
• Degenerate art