Artists You Should Know: Kathe Kollwitz
Wednesday January 21, 2004
This week's suggested artist profile comes to us courtesy of Cindy Ellis, treasured friend (and aspiring Girl Detective), who wondered why it hadn't made an appearance here yet. "Get on with it", Cindy urged. "She's a phenomenal artist and left-handed." (Cindy is the proud mama of a southpaw, and has made it her personal business to gather info on famous lefties.)
In younger days, Käthe Kollwitz's drawings disturbed me. Simple scenes of raw emotion, abject poverty and grief are so often in her work. I didn't know, back then, that these were human conditions Käthe - dedicated Socialist and woman on a mission - had to keep bringing to light in order to convey the wrongness of their existence. Nor did I know that the War and Death series arose from Käthe's personal anguish over the loss of a son during World War I. The older me (a mother of sons) chokes up when revisiting her work these days, and so tends to avoid it. But, Cindy - you were right (and, aren't you always?): Käthe Kollwitz's profile needed to be finished. Thanks for the nudge, old chum.
In younger days, Käthe Kollwitz's drawings disturbed me. Simple scenes of raw emotion, abject poverty and grief are so often in her work. I didn't know, back then, that these were human conditions Käthe - dedicated Socialist and woman on a mission - had to keep bringing to light in order to convey the wrongness of their existence. Nor did I know that the War and Death series arose from Käthe's personal anguish over the loss of a son during World War I. The older me (a mother of sons) chokes up when revisiting her work these days, and so tends to avoid it. But, Cindy - you were right (and, aren't you always?): Käthe Kollwitz's profile needed to be finished. Thanks for the nudge, old chum.
Comments
Difficult art is often the best, particularly when it comes to modern art. While admire work that is technically gifted or outright beautiful, it is the work which makes me uncomfortable that really has the potential to change my inner workings.
And I’m still being ignored as someone who should be known!
Neith I don’t think you’re ignored. In fact, I think you have quite an enviable following. The fact that you’re a living artist who’s survived so much and your art remains excellent, says a lot about your skills, perseverence, and, ultimately, your legacy.
It’s difficult to follow on your grandmother’s footsteps, but you’ve made quite a nice niche for yourself, on your own, irrespective of the Nevelson last name.