Oskar Kokoschka (1886 - 1980)

Oskar Kokoschka (1886 - 1980) - photo 1

Oskar Kokoschka

Oskar Kokoschka was an Austrian artist, poet, playwright, and teacher, renowned for his significant contributions to the Expressionist movement. Born on March 1, 1886, in Pöchlarn, Austria, Kokoschka's journey into the arts began against the backdrop of early 20th-century Vienna, a city vibrant with cultural ferment and avant-garde experimentation. Without formal training in painting, Kokoschka brought a unique perspective to his work, approaching the medium with a fresh, unencumbered eye that eschewed traditional methods in favor of intuitive, expressive techniques​​​​.

Kokoschka's early career was marked by an innovative approach to portraiture and landscape, characterized by intense expressionism and a deep psychological penetration of his subjects. His artistic philosophy was heavily influenced by 17th-century Czech humanist Jan Amos Comenius, from whom Kokoschka adopted the idea that learning and creativity flourish through sensory engagement and reasoning. This philosophy underpinned both his artistic output and his teaching methodology, which favored storytelling and the evocation of dramatic emotion over conventional art instruction​​.

Among Kokoschka's notable early works were his contributions to the Vienna Kunstschau and his involvement with the Wiener Werkstätte, which provided him opportunities to explore his artistic voice through various commissions, including postcards and illustrations for children's books. His autobiographical poem "Die träumenden Knaben" (The Dreaming Youths) and the related illustrations showcase his journey from Jugendstil to Expressionism, marking a pivotal moment in his career and in the development of modern art​​.

Kokoschka's tumultuous affair with Alma Mahler is well-documented, influencing some of his most acclaimed works, such as "The Bride of the Wind" (The Tempest), which vividly encapsulates their passionate, stormy relationship. This work, alongside others like "Portrait of a Young Girl" and "Knight Errant (Self-Portrait)", exemplifies Kokoschka's masterful use of color, form, and emotional intensity to convey complex psychological states and narratives​​.

Oskar Kokoschka's legacy as a pioneering figure in Expressionism is undisputed. His works continue to resonate with collectors and experts in art and antiques, not only for their aesthetic and emotional depth but also for their groundbreaking approach to visual storytelling and the exploration of the human condition. For those interested in the vibrant world of Expressionist art and the profound humanism of Kokoschka's oeuvre, signing up for updates on new product sales and auction events related to Oskar Kokoschka offers a unique opportunity to engage with the enduring impact of his work​​.

Date and place of birt:1 march 1886, Pöchlarn, Austria
Date and place of death:22 february 1980, Montreux, Switzerland
Nationality:Austria, Switzerland
Period of activity: XX century
Specialization:Artist, Graphic artist, Painter, Writer
Art school / group:Der Sturm, Vienna Secession
Genre:Allegory, Landscape painting, Portrait
Art style:Degenerate art, Expressionism, Modern art, Post War Art
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Creators Austria

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Siegmund Arvay (1838 - 1888)
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Franz West (1947 - 2012)
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Franz Schrotzberg (1811 - 1889)
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Sebastiano Ricci (1659 - 1734)
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Laslo Mednyansky (1852 - 1919)
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Koloman Moser (1868 - 1918)
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Rudolf von Weyr (1847 - 1914)
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Franciscus van der Steen (1615 - 1672)
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Ferdinand Zach (1868 - 1956)
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Arthur Kurtz (1860 - 1917)
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Olaf Jordan (1902 - 1968)
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Karl Reichert (1836 - 1918)
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Hans Ranzoni I (1868 - 1956)
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Creators Degenerate art

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Francisco Corzas (1936 - 1983)
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Mai Volfovich Dantsig (1930 - 2017)
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Öyvind Fahlström (1928 - 1976)
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Arnold Fiedler (1900 - 1985)
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1900 - 1985
Karl Hofer (1878 - 1955)
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1878 - 1955
Carl Julius Moll (1861 - 1945)
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Carl Christian Krayl (1890 - 1947)
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Mahirwan Mamtani (1935)
Mahirwan Mamtani
1935
Gaetano Pesce (1939 - 2024)
Gaetano Pesce
1939 - 2024
Franz Radziwill (1895 - 1983)
Franz Radziwill
1895 - 1983
Valentin Aleksandrovich Gorodnichev (1922 - 2014)
Valentin Aleksandrovich Gorodnichev
1922 - 2014
Andrew Wyeth (1917 - 2009)
Andrew Wyeth
1917 - 2009
Odilon Redon (1840 - 1916)
Odilon Redon
1840 - 1916
Jean Delville (1867 - 1953)
Jean Delville
1867 - 1953
Débora Arango (1907 - 2005)
Débora Arango
1907 - 2005
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