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
Oskar Kokoschka (Pöchlarn 1886 - Montreux 1980). Tower Bridge II. - Now at the auction

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Creators Austria

Rudolf Ernst (1854 - 1932)
Rudolf Ernst
1854 - 1932
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt (1736 - 1783)
Franz Xaver Messerschmidt
1736 - 1783
Johann Baptist Drechsler (1756 - 1811)
Johann Baptist Drechsler
1756 - 1811
August von Pettenkofen (1822 - 1889)
August von Pettenkofen
1822 - 1889
Alexander Rothaug (1870 - 1946)
Alexander Rothaug
1870 - 1946
Wolfgang von Wersin (1882 - 1976)
Wolfgang von Wersin
1882 - 1976
Karl Kaufmann (1843 - 1905)
Karl Kaufmann
1843 - 1905
Johann Wolfgang Baumgartner (1702 - 1761)
Johann Wolfgang Baumgartner
1702 - 1761
Ettore Sottsass (1917 - 2007)
Ettore Sottsass
1917 - 2007
Georg Janny (1864 - 1935)
Georg Janny
1864 - 1935
Ignaz Stern (1679 - 1748)
Ignaz Stern
1679 - 1748
Eduard Boehm (1830 - 1890)
Eduard Boehm
1830 - 1890
Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller (1793 - 1865)
Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller
1793 - 1865
Michael Powolny (1871 - 1954)
Michael Powolny
1871 - 1954
Yosl Bergner (1920 - 2017)
Yosl Bergner
1920 - 2017
Wolf Huber (1485 - 1553)
Wolf Huber
1485 - 1553

Creators Degenerate art

Matthias Kunkler (1957 - 1997)
Matthias Kunkler
1957 - 1997
Mattia Moreni (1920 - 1999)
Mattia Moreni
1920 - 1999
Hans Rahn (1905 - 1991)
Hans Rahn
1905 - 1991
Fabio Rogério Innecco (1936)
Fabio Rogério Innecco
1936
Vija Celmins (1938)
Vija Celmins
1938
Pierre Jeanneret (1896 - 1967)
Pierre Jeanneret
1896 - 1967
Shirley Jaffe (1923 - 2016)
Shirley Jaffe
1923 - 2016
Konstantin Mefodievich Maximov (1913 - 1994)
Konstantin Mefodievich Maximov
1913 - 1994
Jovan Mihailović (1934 - 2022)
Jovan Mihailović
1934 - 2022
Frederick Cuming (1930 - 2022)
Frederick Cuming
1930 - 2022
Wallace Stevens (1879 - 1955)
Wallace Stevens
1879 - 1955
Louis Aucoc (1850 - 1932)
Louis Aucoc
1850 - 1932
Heinrich Wildemann (1904 - 1964)
Heinrich Wildemann
1904 - 1964
Antonio Lopez Garcia (1936)
Antonio Lopez Garcia
1936
Jean Coune (1900 - 1963)
Jean Coune
1900 - 1963
Hans Rickers (1899 - 1979)
Hans Rickers
1899 - 1979