I have written before how Eric Carle was inspired by modernistic art in WWI Nazi Germany by his art teacher Frederick Krauss. The Nazis called it ‘degenerate art’.
Today I attended a panel discussion about just that.
The new exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum is Eric Carle’s Modernist Inspirations. It is so profound in scope, and rightly so, that the exhibit is divided into two displays, one now in the fall, and one in the spring. Many art pieces are on loan from other museums.
I will be there soon, but for now I want to share what I learned from the panel discussion.
When Eric Carle signed up for art classes in Nazi Germany, he lied about his age. He was hopeful to get painting or fine art, but no. He was assigned to printmaking. He was taught in the traditional Japanese style of block art. Very strict! He studied Shizuo Fujimori woodblock prints. They inspired him.
He was also inspired by Anni Albers. Her lithograph was cause for his remarkable endpapers.
Two of the modernistic artists, Paul Klee (I discovered his name is pronounced ‘clay’) and Wassily Kandinsky started the Bauhaus, a school for artists of the time. The Nazis closed it in 1933.
Here is a Paul Klee painting, and Eric Carle’s painting inspired by Klee’s art. I wish I had the words of the panel on this one.
Klee was all about ‘Alley Oop’, lifting ideas, spreading joy. No wonder Carle liked this guy.
And when in comes to Franz Marc, Carle’s many renditions of Marc’s Large Blue Horses is well done, and his tribute to one of the modernistic artists who greatly influenced him.
Eric Carle always told people to go up close to paintings, really look. He was right.
The panel also said at the time music was the only abstract art form.
I look forward to the exhibit.
Jennie
Sounds fascinating, Jennie!
I thought so!
It’s so interesting the way art survives societal pressure and strong, talented artists continue on their path.
Yes it is. I guess strength rises to the top.
Will look forward to your visit to the museum!
Thanks, FR!
It will be good to be able to get close to the paintings, and interesting that Eric was a fan of Paul Klee’s art.
Best wishes, Pete.
I’m definitely looking forward to being up close to the art. Klee was one of the artists his art teacher introduced him to. Shortly before Carle died, he did an homage to Klee, it was an incredible art display.
I love his advice about ‘going up close’. There’s a painting that I pass daily on my way to our dining hall that reveals more each time I stop, get close and study it.
I think it’s great advice! Dining hall? You’ll have to post about the painting.
Remind me to tell you about our move to a patio home in a Senior Living encampment, er, I mean community. For now, just remember this, downsizing’ is a bitch. I learned that I have more than I thought but I just had to have the rack from my first deer hunt in Vermont with my dad and brothers. Or, my Smokey Bear hat from US Drill Sgt Academy at Fort Ord (Monterrey, CA). And all those birthday, Father’s Day, at all, greeting cards from the kids and wife. Too many good memories. I’m too much of a sentimentalist.
I think you told me about your new home. My memory isn’t what it used to be! Yes, I remember the cool stuff you had to keep. Good for you!
Hi Jennie, this must have been a very interesting discussion panel. You can see the influence of this modern art in Eric Carlyle’s illustrations.
Yes, and yes! I took fast and furious notes.
I love your enthusiasm for this, Jennie. Have a fabulous time! Hugs 🎨. 🤗
Many thanks, Teagan!
how exciting and glad your were able to attend. thanks for sharing this info and i’ve become a paul klee fan in the past year after seeing some of his work online. he has great quotes as well.
i know i’ve probably told you this before, but i know you would an incredible docent at the museum, and could connect children/families/schools through events/tours and outreach. if you choose to retire from teaching, that is, at one point. i will be your full supporter ❤
It was more than I thought it would be. Yes, Klee’s work is awesome. I would love, love to be a docent. They would love to have me. I’d have to move to Amherst… but you never know what might happen down the road. Many thanks, Beth!
Except for that )
I know.
Deasr Jennie
Klee and Kandinsky were inspired by Goethe’s ‘Theory of Colours’ and Rudolf Steiner’s understanding of it. Klee and Kandinsky both plaid music quite well.
Modern art needs both, for some artefacts it’s helps to go near to them, but f.e. Bridget Riley’s paintings and Escher’s drawings look best when viewed from a certain distance.
Thanks
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Yes!! They were friends, too. Thank you for telling me about ‘Theory of Colors’. I wonder if that will be included in the exhibit. I so appreciate you comment!
Love this, Teacher. You and I have touched on the ‘degenerate art’ parallels in current events. Long live Blue Horses inspiration! Today starts national banned books week. I decided to look up Eric Carle…geesh! Good thing you don’t live in Florida, Iowa or Texas. Good thing parents who read to their children, continue to do so regardless.
https://lithub.com/draw-me-a-controversy-on-the-banning-of-beloved-childrens-book-author-eric-carle/
I just read the article. It seems to me that banning such simple images is a good way to make children ashamed of their own bodies.
True!
What a fabulous article! And yes, long live Blue Horses. The original is in Minneapolis. Sigh. How I would love to see that painting! I’m always shocked at banned books. Thank goodness parents continue to read, regardless.
The panel discussion must have been so much fun!
It was! 🙂
Didn’t know about their relationship. This was interesting.
Thanks, Jacqui! Glad you enjoyed it.
I’m glad you shared this, Jennie. It gives us more information about Paul Klee and Eric Carle and their symbiotic art.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, John. It was more information than I expected, but so glad to learn more. Just before Eric Carle died, he paid homage to Klee with a magnificent art display. I’m so looking forward to seeing the art on display.
Love all of these hidden stories…thank you so much, Jennie! ❤️😉❤️
Yes, hidden stories. I love how you said that, Vicki. Thank you! 💕
Oh, Jennie! Thank YOU — so much!
Xo! 😘
❤️
This is such a wonderful post, Jennie! It was filled with interesting information. Thank you!
The panel discussion was far more than I expected. I learned a lot. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Cathy. I can’t wait to see the exhibit.
You’ll have to let me know how it is. 🙂
I will!
Very interesting, Jennie. I wasn’t aware of any of this. I immediately think of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See,” whenever I hear Eric’s name.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Pete. It was very interesting. Think that all of Eric Carle’s work goes back to the modernist artists, the ‘degenerate’ art dubbed by the Nazi’s. Franz Marc’s Blue Horses is one piece he remembers his art teacher showing him. No wonder the horse in in his Brown Bear, Brown Brown book is blue. Right?
I realise ‘art’ means something different to everybody, but for me art is something painted by Turner, Canaletto, Rembrandt etc. Some modern art sells for thousands, but often looks like something my 6 year old grandson can do.
I understand! Interestingly, modern art is not my favorite. Monet is. I find it fascinating how it changed Carle’s life in WWII Nazi Germany. My mother would not to go to an art museum that wasn’t impressionism. It’s good to have so many types of art. Something for everyone.
Yes indeed.
A lovely, informative post, Jennie. I need to revisit my copy of The Hungry Caterpillar and take a closer look at the drawings…
Look at the endpapers, too. Thanks, Sarah.
I did not know that Eric Carle studied Japanese art. I can see that influence on his art now. How wonderful.
I didn’t know that, either! I learned far more than I expected. I will have to look more closely at his art. Yes, wonderful!
Love the mystery behind the stories. Amazing story about Eric and his art. 🥰
I couldn’t agree more, Debby! Many thanks.
while not so much ‘an art guy’ (I have favorites down through the ages, but not on a level to distinguish technical styles and such) but I do enjoy learning new things.
large or small, significant or ‘you didn’t know that?’ new information is good
I knew the name Paul Klee and, if the only question in Final Jeopardy was artists of the early 20th I might have a shot.
But I’ve been pronouncing his last name K’lee.
I’m glad I stopped by!
I’m glad you stopped by, too. I always pronounced Klee’s name the way you did, until this panel discussion. You talk about large or small, when it comes to art you just don’t know. The Mona Lisa is so small. And the Birth of Venus is the size of a wall. You would have done well in the Final Jeopardy.
Fascinating and interesting the way art survives all pressures. What talented artists. Thanks Jennie ❤️
Yes, it really does. Thank you, Kamal!
So true Jennie. Always welcome 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️☺️🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
Welcome 🤗🤗🤗