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

Creators Austria

Joseph Anton Koch (1768 - 1839)
Joseph Anton Koch
1768 - 1839
Emil Czech (1862 - 1929)
Emil Czech
1862 - 1929
Kaspar Heinrich Merz (1806 - 1875)
Kaspar Heinrich Merz
1806 - 1875
Thomas Walch (1867 - 1943)
Thomas Walch
1867 - 1943
Anton Schroedl (1820 - 1906)
Anton Schroedl
1820 - 1906
Carl Heinrich Rahl (1779 - 1843)
Carl Heinrich Rahl
1779 - 1843
August Querfurth (1696 - 1761)
August Querfurth
1696 - 1761
Georg Ehrlich (1897 - 1966)
Georg Ehrlich
1897 - 1966
Maria Moser (1947)
Maria Moser
1947
Robert Zielasco (1948)
Robert Zielasco
1948
Eric de Kolb (1916 - 2001)
Eric de Kolb
1916 - 2001
Raoul Frank (1867 - 1939)
Raoul Frank
1867 - 1939
Gustav Klimt (1862 - 1918)
Gustav Klimt
1862 - 1918
Ignaz Elhafen (1658 - 1715)
Ignaz Elhafen
1658 - 1715
Giovanni Antonio Guardi (1699 - 1760)
Giovanni Antonio Guardi
1699 - 1760
Emil Rizek (1901 - 1988)
Emil Rizek
1901 - 1988

Creators Degenerate art

Harald Metzkes (1929)
Harald Metzkes
1929
Illarion Vladimirovich Golitsyn (1928 - 2007)
Illarion Vladimirovich Golitsyn
1928 - 2007
George Condo (1957)
George Condo
1957
Eugen Schlipf (1869 - 1943)
Eugen Schlipf
1869 - 1943
Stanislaw Stefan Zygmunt Maslowski (1853 - 1926)
Stanislaw Stefan Zygmunt Maslowski
1853 - 1926
Richard Diebenkorn (1922 - 1993)
Richard Diebenkorn
1922 - 1993
Thea Schleusner (1879 - 1964)
Thea Schleusner
1879 - 1964
James Abbott McNeill Whistler (1834 - 1903)
James Abbott McNeill Whistler
1834 - 1903
René Lalique (1860 - 1945)
René Lalique
1860 - 1945
Georges d'Espangat (1870 - 1950)
Georges d'Espangat
1870 - 1950
Otto Baum (1900 - 1977)
Otto Baum
1900 - 1977
Lore Niessner (1920 - 1983)
Lore Niessner
1920 - 1983
Anton Räderscheidt (1892 - 1970)
Anton Räderscheidt
1892 - 1970
Ernst Georg Heussler (1903 - 1982)
Ernst Georg Heussler
1903 - 1982
Carl Christian Krayl (1890 - 1947)
Carl Christian Krayl
1890 - 1947
Anders Osterlind (1887 - 1960)
Anders Osterlind
1887 - 1960