Willi Baumeister Original Vintage Stuttgard Germany Üecht Art Group German Expressionism Constructivism Constructivist Ink Figural Organic Form Artwork on Paper European Painting Circa 1920

Original vintage Willi Baumeister abstract constructivist expressionist figural organic form ink on paper European artwork painting, circa approximately 1920. The small painting is approximately 3" X 4.5" and is protected in a circa mid-1930s black wood frame, behind a mat and glass. The approximate measurements in the circa 1930’s black vintage frame are 16 1/2” X 12 3/4”. The small painting is in excellent condition and holds a beautiful spiritual quality to the organic forms. The painting is signed upper right corner, with the artist's initials.

Willi Baumeister (22 January 1889 – 31 August 1955) was a renowned German artist known for his contributions as a painter, scenic designer, art professor, and typographer. His works were featured in the art competitions at the 1928 and 1932 Summer Olympics. Baumeister's artistic journey encompassed various phases, characterized by different influences and explorations.

Born in Stuttgart in 1889, Baumeister initially pursued an apprenticeship as a decorative painter from 1905 to 1907, followed by military service. During his apprenticeship, he also began his art studies at the Stuttgart Art Academy, attending drawing classes and receiving additional lessons from notable artists such as Robert Poetzelberger and Josef Kerschensteiner. In 1907, Baumeister completed his trade test and continued his studies at the art academy. There, he encountered Adolf Hölzel, who became his mentor and guided him in the composition class. It was during this time that he formed a lifelong friendship with Oskar Schlemmer, another prominent artist.

Baumeister's artistic journey took him to various cities and exhibitions. In 1911, he made his first trip to Paris, which greatly influenced his artistic perspective. He successfully exhibited his works in Zurich in 1912 and participated in the Erster Deutscher Herbstsalon (First German Autumn Salon) at the Berlin gallery Der Sturm in 1913. It was there that he met the expressionist painter Franz Marc. In 1914, Baumeister had his first solo exhibition at Der Neue Kunstsalon in Stuttgart and also received a commission for wall paintings at the Deutsche Werkbund-Ausstellung (German Werkbund Exhibition) in Cologne. However, his plans were interrupted by military service during World War I, during which he traveled to Amsterdam, London, and Paris.

Throughout the war, Baumeister encountered notable artists such as Oskar Kokoschka and Adolf Loos in Vienna. After the war, he participated in exhibitions in Freiburg im Breisgau and Frankfurt am Main. In 1919, Baumeister became a member of the Berlin artist association Novembergruppe and played an active role in the German art scene until 1933. He also co-founded the artist group Üecht in Stuttgart in 1919, although he left the group in 1921.

During the 1920s, Baumeister's artistic career flourished. He completed his art studies and participated in exhibitions in Berlin, Dresden, and Hagen. His works gained international recognition, particularly after exhibiting alongside Fernand Léger at the Berlin gallery Der Sturm in 1922. Baumeister formed professional relationships with renowned artists like Paul Klee, Le Corbusier, and Michel Seuphor. He showcased his works at several notable exhibitions, including the Erste Allgemeine Deutsche Kunstausstellung in Moscow in 1924 and the Paris exhibition L'Art d'aujourd'hui in 1925. Baumeister also ventured into commercial art and designed advertisements for well-known companies such as Bosch and DLW (Deutsche Linoleumwerke).

In 1926, Baumeister married the painter Margarete Oehm and achieved significant milestones in his career. He exhibited in New York and Paris and encountered influential artists like Kasimir Malevich. In 1927, he accepted a teaching position at the Frankfurt School of Applied Arts, where he taught classes in commercial art, typography, and textile printing. Despite the political and social challenges of the time, Baumeister continued to create art and explore new avenues of expression.

However, with the rise of the National Socialist regime in Germany, Baumeister's artistic activities faced restrictions and scrutiny. The Nazis condemned his work as "degenerate art" due to its abstract and non-conformist nature. In 1933, he was dismissed from his teaching position at the Frankfurt School of Applied Arts, along with many other artists and intellectuals.

Despite the challenges, Baumeister continued to create art in his private studio. He turned his focus towards exploring more organic and naturalistic forms, moving away from his earlier abstract style. During this time, he also delved into scenography, designing sets and costumes for theatrical productions in Stuttgart and Berlin.

In 1941, Baumeister's studio was destroyed during an air raid, resulting in the loss of a significant portion of his artwork. This setback, combined with the hardships of World War II, forced him to adapt and find new ways of artistic expression. He began experimenting with collage and mixed media, incorporating materials like sand and tar into his works.

After the war, Baumeister reestablished himself as an influential figure in the German art scene. He resumed teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart and played an active role in shaping the post-war art landscape. He participated in numerous exhibitions, both in Germany and internationally, and received several prestigious awards for his contributions to modern art.

Throughout his career, Baumeister's artistic style evolved and embraced various influences, including expressionism, constructivism, and abstract art. His works often reflected a balance between geometric elements and organic forms, exploring the relationship between space, color, and texture. Baumeister's approach to art was deeply influenced by his studies of color theory and his interest in the spiritual dimensions of art.

Willi Baumeister's artistic legacy continues to be celebrated and recognized worldwide. His works can be found in major art museums and collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart in Germany. His contributions to the fields of painting, scenography, and typography have left a lasting impact on the development of modern art. Baumeister's dedication to artistic exploration and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms have solidified his place as one of Germany's most influential artists of the 20th century.