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Static-Dynamic Gradation

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Static-Dynamic Gradation

Paul Klee  (German (born Switzerland), Münchenbuchsee 1879–1940 Muralto-Locarno)

Date:
1923
Medium:
Oil and gouache on paper, bordered with gouache, watercolor, and ink
Dimensions:
H. 15, W. 10-1/4 inches (38.1 x 26.1 cm.)
Classification:
Drawings
Credit Line:
The Berggruen Klee Collection, 1987
Accession Number:
1987.455.12

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 914

  • Description

    While teaching at the Bauhaus, first in Weimar (1919-25) and then in Dessau (1925-32), Klee created many works that related to the subject of his courses. This watercolor reflects the artist's preoccupation with color relationships. Here, outer dark colors surround pure luminous ones in the center. In this work Klee devised a systematic movement, progressing from dark-hued brownish squares, which he dubbed "static," toward the clear-colored ones, which he called "dynamic" by virtue of the contrasts they offer.

  • Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

    Signature: Signed (lower left): Klee

  • Provenance

    Ida Bienert, Dresden and Munich; Hermann Rupf, Bern; Peter Nathan, Galerie Nathan, Zürich, 1976; Heinz Berggruen, 1976; gift to MMA, 1987.

  • Exhibition History

    England, London: Hayward Gallery, January 17-April 1, 2002, Paul Klee:
    The Nature of Creation. p.41, no. 35, illus. in color.

    Washington, D.C.: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden,
    June 22-September 11, 2005; Los Angeles: Museum of Contemporary Art, February 13-May 22, 2005;Visual Music: Synaethesia in Art and
    Music since 1900. p.56, illus. in color, p.14, detail in color, discussed
    p.52, (MOCA only).

    Berlin, Germany: Akademie der Kunste, February 18-April 22, 2007,
    SPACE. Places of Art. CANCELLED LOAN 1/9/07

    The Bauhaus Classical, Klassic Stiftung Weimar, Germany, April 1, 2009- July 5, 2009; cat. no. 382, pg. 265.

  • See also
    Who
    What
    Where
    When
    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
210005075

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