Vienna Secession and Klimt

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The “Vienna Secession” was an art movement formed in 1897 by a group of Austrian artists who had resigned from the Association of Austrian Artists, housed in the Vienna Künstlerhaus. This movement was founded by Gustav Klimt, Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann, Joseph Maria Olbrich, Max Kurzweil, and others. The Vienna Secession was part of the larger trend of Secessionism that occurred throughout Europe, where artists sought to break away from the traditional academic art institutions and practices of the time. The movement was characterized by its embrace of modernism, experimentation, and the desire to create art that was free of historical influences, focusing instead on originality and abstract beauty.

Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was one of the most prominent members and a founding figure of the Vienna Secession. Klimt’s work is known for its decorative style, bold use of color, and exploration of themes of regeneration, love, and death. His art often included symbolic imagery and themes of eroticism, which was controversial and groundbreaking at the time. Klimt’s most famous works include “The Kiss” (1907-1908) and the “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” (1907), also known as “The Lady in Gold.” His contributions to the movement were significant, as he helped to challenge and redefine contemporary notions of art, beauty, and the role of the artist in society.

The motto of the Vienna Secession movement is “Der Zeit ihre Kunst. Der Kunst ihre Freiheit,” which translates to “To every age its art. To art its freedom.” This motto encapsulates the core philosophy of the movement: the belief that art should reflect the time in which it is created and that artists should have the freedom to express themselves without the constraints of traditional academic standards or styles. The motto emphasizes the Secessionists’ commitment to innovation, individual expression, and the breaking down of barriers between different forms of art. It reflects their desire to create a new, modern art that was relevant to contemporary life and free from historical imitation.

Question: What kind of traditional academic art practices of that period?

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During the late 19th century, leading up to the formation of the Vienna Secession in 1897, traditional academic art practices were heavily influenced by the teachings and standards set by the Academies of Fine Arts across Europe. These institutions played a central role in the art world, dictating the norms for artistic training, aesthetics, and the production of art. Key characteristics of traditional academic art practices at that time included:

1. Classical Influences: Academic art was deeply rooted in classical antiquity, drawing inspiration from the art and ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. Artists were trained to emulate these classical forms, considered the pinnacle of artistic achievement.
2. Realism and Naturalism: The academies emphasized a realistic representation of the world, with a focus on precise anatomy, perspective, and attention to detail. Naturalism was also promoted, where artists aimed to depict subjects in a true-to-life manner without idealization.
3. Historical and Mythological Themes: Academic artists often chose subjects from history, mythology, and the Bible, believing that art should convey moral or educational messages. These themes were considered more noble and elevated than everyday life or landscape subjects.
4. Hierarchical Genre System: The academies established a hierarchy of genres, with history painting (including religious, mythological, and allegorical subjects) at the top, followed by portraiture, genre scenes (everyday life), landscapes, and still lifes. History painting was regarded as the most prestigious genre because it required mastery of the human figure and the ability to convey complex narratives.
5. Technique and Finish: A high value was placed on technical skill and a polished finish. Works were expected to exhibit mastery of drawing, color, and composition, with a smooth, almost invisible brushwork that left no trace of the artist’s hand.
6. Exhibitions and Salons: The academic system was also characterized by its control over exhibitions and salons, which were the primary venues for artists to display their work and gain recognition. Acceptance into these exhibitions was often based on adherence to academic standards and approval by a jury of academicians.

The Vienna Secession and similar movements across Europe were reactions against these constraints, seeking to promote greater artistic freedom, innovation, and experimentation. They opposed the academy’s rigid hierarchies of genres and its conservative aesthetic values, advocating instead for a more inclusive and diverse approach to art that embraced modernity and individual expression.

Question: Has Vienna secession movement any influence on other art forms?

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Yes, the Vienna Secession movement had a significant influence on various art forms beyond just painting and sculpture. Its impact extended to architecture, graphic design, decorative arts, and even furniture design, promoting a holistic approach to art that sought to integrate all aspects of visual and functional design. Here are some of the areas influenced by the Vienna Secession:

1. Architecture: The movement had a profound impact on architecture, with figures like Joseph Maria Olbrich and Otto Wagner leading the way. They designed buildings that broke away from historicist styles, favoring instead innovative structures with clean lines, geometric forms, and decorative elements inspired by natural motifs. The Secession Building in Vienna, designed by Olbrich as an exhibition hall for the movement, is a prime example of this architectural ethos.
2. Graphic Design and Illustration: The Vienna Secession had a notable influence on graphic design and illustration, with members like Koloman Moser and Alfred Roller contributing to the development of a distinctive graphic style. This included innovative poster designs, magazine covers for the movement’s publication “Ver Sacrum,” and other graphic materials that featured stylized, geometric, and often symmetrical designs.
3. Decorative Arts and Crafts: The movement also embraced the decorative arts and crafts, with artists and designers creating furniture, glassware, ceramics, and textiles that reflected the Secession’s aesthetic principles. These works were characterized by their use of line, pattern, and often nature-inspired motifs, aiming to elevate the status of decorative arts to that of fine arts.
4. Furniture Design: Furniture design was another area influenced by the Vienna Secession, with designers like Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser creating pieces that combined functionality with artistic expression. Their designs often featured simple, geometric forms and a lack of superfluous decoration, aligning with the movement’s emphasis on purity of design.
5. Jewelry and Fashion: The movement’s influence extended to jewelry and fashion, with artists designing pieces that complemented their artistic vision. These designs often incorporated innovative materials and forms, reflecting the Secession’s broader goals of innovation and breaking with tradition.

By promoting a unified approach to art and design, the Vienna Secession helped lay the groundwork for later movements such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modernism. Its emphasis on total art (Gesamtkunstwerk) and the integration of art into everyday life had a lasting impact on the development of 20th-century art and design.

Question: List the buildings in Vienna influenced by secession.

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Several buildings in Vienna were influenced by the Vienna Secession movement, showcasing the distinctive architectural style and innovative approach to design that characterized this period. Some of the most notable buildings include:

1. Secession Building (Secession): Designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich in 1897 as an exhibition hall for the Secession movement, this building is one of the most iconic examples of Secessionist architecture. Its most famous feature is the golden dome made of laurel branches, known as the “Golden Cabbage.”
2. Palais Stoclet: While not in Vienna but in Brussels, Belgium, it’s worth mentioning due to its design by Josef Hoffmann, a prominent member of the Vienna Secession. Completed in 1911, the Palais Stoclet is considered a masterpiece of early modernist architecture and showcases the influence of the Secession movement beyond Vienna.
3. Kirche am Steinhof (Church of St. Leopold): Designed by Otto Wagner, this church is located within the Steinhof Psychiatric Hospital grounds. Completed in 1907, it is an outstanding example of Secessionist architecture, notable for its use of modern materials and simplified forms.
4. Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank): Another work by Otto Wagner, completed in 1906, this building is considered one of the early examples of modern architecture. Its functional design, use of new materials like reinforced concrete, and decorative elements reflect the Secessionist ethos.
5. Majolica House (Majolikahaus): Designed by Otto Wagner and completed in 1899, this residential building is famous for its floral majolica tiles that cover its façade, showcasing the Secessionist love for nature-inspired motifs.
6. Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station: Designed by Otto Wagner, this former city rail station is a notable example of Secessionist architecture, with its pavilions featuring marble slabs, ornamental metalwork, and the use of functional and aesthetic elements combined.

These buildings represent just a few examples of how the Vienna Secession movement influenced architecture in Vienna, emphasizing innovation, the integration of art and architecture, and the expression of modernity.

Question: Briefly introduce Gustav Klimt.

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Gustav Klimt (1862–1918) was an Austrian symbolist painter and one of the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement. Known for his paintings, murals, sketches, and other objets d’art, Klimt’s primary subject was the female body, and his works are marked by a frank eroticism and sensuousness. His style is characterized by the use of decorative patterns, rich colors, and intricate details, often incorporating gold leaf, which became one of his signature techniques.

Klimt’s work was a departure from the traditional academic art of his time, embracing more modern, abstract, and symbolic themes. Some of his most famous works include “The Kiss” (1907–1908), “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I” (1907), also known as “The Lady in Gold,” and the “Beethoven Frieze” (1902). Throughout his career, Klimt’s paintings explored themes of love, life, and death, reflecting his interest in human psychology and the human condition.

Klimt’s innovative approach and his role in founding the Vienna Secession helped to pave the way for modernism in art, making him a key figure in the transition from the 19th-century aesthetic to the 20th-century modernist movement. His legacy is that of one of the most influential and celebrated artists of the early 20th century, whose works continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.

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Couple weeks ago, an old classmate talked about how big the industry of Korean soap operas is, and the huge influence it carries. I only realized it when I went to Belvedere in Vienna. Although it’s a beautiful place, Belvedere museum and the park isn’t a major tourist destination, and certainly not commonly on the itinerary of tour groups. Usually I just got the ticket and went in, never had to wait in my numerous visitings. This time, to my great surprise, there was a long queue- all of them Korean tourists in several groups, non of them looked like regular museum goers- don’t mean to be snobbish, just a fact. As soon as they got in, they went up to where the painting located, stood in the front of it, took a picture, then gone. One of the younger ones told me the painting was on one of the most famous soap operas. In one scene, two of the main characters were kissing in front of “ The Kiss”. That’s why everyone had to come!