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Gesamtkunstwerk Expressionismus
The first survey ever of the Expressionist Gesamtkunstwerk
Numerous surprising cross-references between art, film, literature, theater, dance, and architecture
A fascinating, panoramic view of an eventful epoch and a groundbreaking art movement
The various categories of Expressionism have in the past usually been treated separately. Gesamtkunstwerk Expressionismus, however, is the first publication ever to examine the remarkable interplay of—and parallel developments in—art, film, literature, theater, dance, and architecture in the years 1905 to 1925.
The exhibition and the catalogue unite masterpieces of Expressionist film, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Genuine, architectural models, set designs, stage photographs, poster art, dance masks, paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures to form a unique panorama of the Expressionist period. Whether dealing with a disastrous war, a revolution, urban modernity, or the reinvention of the world—this is the first book in which renowned authors, key works, and source texts from all disciplines allow the reader to thoroughly experience the ways the genres mutually influenced each other, as well as the equally drastic yet fascinating fruits of the Expressionist networks.
Numerous surprising cross-references between art, film, literature, theater, dance, and architecture
A fascinating, panoramic view of an eventful epoch and a groundbreaking art movement
The various categories of Expressionism have in the past usually been treated separately. Gesamtkunstwerk Expressionismus, however, is the first publication ever to examine the remarkable interplay of—and parallel developments in—art, film, literature, theater, dance, and architecture in the years 1905 to 1925.
The exhibition and the catalogue unite masterpieces of Expressionist film, such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Genuine, architectural models, set designs, stage photographs, poster art, dance masks, paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures to form a unique panorama of the Expressionist period. Whether dealing with a disastrous war, a revolution, urban modernity, or the reinvention of the world—this is the first book in which renowned authors, key works, and source texts from all disciplines allow the reader to thoroughly experience the ways the genres mutually influenced each other, as well as the equally drastic yet fascinating fruits of the Expressionist networks.
Hardcover
Published November 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 6, 2019
This review was previously posted on the Side Real Press website in 2011.
In my original review I added some (amazing) images from the book so its quite a short review. it was this book that introduced me the work of Anita Berber and Sebastian Droste...
This is a catalogue (in German) from a recent Frankfurt exhibition of art and artifacts relating to expressionism between 1905 and 1925. The huge size (and weight!), plus the 400+ illustrations (many in colour) already mark this book out as special.
Of course all the standard 'greats' of the genre are represented; Dix, Schiele, Grosz, Kokoshka, and Kirchner as well as films such as '...Caligari', and 'The Golem' but the book illustrates these films with the most obscure images, set shots, posters, and magazine images, many of which I have not seen before. These alone are worth the asking price of the volume.
But this catalogue also explores territories largely unknown to me, primarily those of theatre and architecture. I cannot imagine what audiences viewing Ernst Toller play 'Die Wandlug' (1919), a dance by Sebastian Droste and Anita Berber or Fritz Högers Chile Haus (1924) in Hamburg must of made of them. The contemporary photos are still electrifying almost a century later.
I am not a German reader so cannot comment on the texts, but the images, which are of course self explanatory, make this a wonderful book for any lover of the period. I used the net to find out more in English - and, believe me, there is so much in this book that will inspire further research.
I believe it to be one of those volumes labeled 'essential' to own.
In my original review I added some (amazing) images from the book so its quite a short review. it was this book that introduced me the work of Anita Berber and Sebastian Droste...
This is a catalogue (in German) from a recent Frankfurt exhibition of art and artifacts relating to expressionism between 1905 and 1925. The huge size (and weight!), plus the 400+ illustrations (many in colour) already mark this book out as special.
Of course all the standard 'greats' of the genre are represented; Dix, Schiele, Grosz, Kokoshka, and Kirchner as well as films such as '...Caligari', and 'The Golem' but the book illustrates these films with the most obscure images, set shots, posters, and magazine images, many of which I have not seen before. These alone are worth the asking price of the volume.
But this catalogue also explores territories largely unknown to me, primarily those of theatre and architecture. I cannot imagine what audiences viewing Ernst Toller play 'Die Wandlug' (1919), a dance by Sebastian Droste and Anita Berber or Fritz Högers Chile Haus (1924) in Hamburg must of made of them. The contemporary photos are still electrifying almost a century later.
I am not a German reader so cannot comment on the texts, but the images, which are of course self explanatory, make this a wonderful book for any lover of the period. I used the net to find out more in English - and, believe me, there is so much in this book that will inspire further research.
I believe it to be one of those volumes labeled 'essential' to own.
Displaying 1 of 1 review