Thinking about the many aspects of creativity for a live online event I am leading on Tuesday, today I went on a little trip back into the life and work of an artist who has meant so much to me over the years, but whom I had not thought of for a while. Paul Klee. It was in college that I discovered his paintings and line work, and fell in love. There is a playful seriousness to it, which of course I adore. His drawings and paintings can be absurd, ironic and sarcastic. Born in Switzerland in 1879, he was influenced by all the modern art movements of the early 1900’s; but he remained very individualistic and extremely prolific.
In a 2013 article, Philip Hensher of the Guardian says, “Comedy was at the heart of Klee’s work.” I think I was and am smitten because so much abstract art at the time—which I also loved and studied— was so serious. I was aware of the power of humor and playfulness is a drawn line. I encourage you to look up his work if you don’t know it. Or even if you do, go back and look again.
A postcard version of this painting below of Klee’s, titled Comedy, was taped to my wall in college and my first apartment in NYC. I still have it.
Thank you, Paul Klee.
Klee has influenced my husband's artwork since he first saw his work - probably in the early 1980s! Thank you for sharing these. It's a great reminder of how truly great artwork has influence over time and disciplines.
Hey L! Yes I seen it feel it . Klee’s humor and fun. It’s striking in our bones the influencers and this profound understanding of impactful awareness brought by others . Appreciate that you rewound a bit payed a tribute a honor as you shared the college days for you. I see some of his influence in your art . And hells yeah for playfulness and fun! Even if art or personalities are perceived as out of line or not serious - it most certainly for me is a portrayal of an even keel as we all float around on this ever changing dynamic sea of existence. ✨