Cosmos of Color. The exhibition investigates the artistic confrontation between Itten and Klee on the subject of color, the related aspects such as color and esoteric notions, aura and harmony of color, color and abstraction, color and nature, and color division.
Johannes Itten and Paul Klee stand out in the history of 20th century art for their
significant contributions to color theory. Both artists developed their ideas on color
over decades of reflection and work, and applied them throughout their art. The
exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Bern is the first to showcase Itten and Klee
together as an artistic duo.
On the basis of prominent key works, the exhibition investigates the artistic confrontation
between Johannes Itten and Paul Klee on the subject of color. The show explores related
aspects such as color and esoteric notions, aura and harmony of color, color and abstraction,
color and nature, and color division.
For the very first time we will be able to demonstrate that not only Klee influenced Itten, but
also that Itten inspired Klee, and that both artists drew from a mutual source. Additionally the
exhibition will explore color theory and how it was represented in the notes and diaries of both
artists. The lives and careers of both Swiss artists converged at many points. For example, Paul
Klee’s father was the first to inspire Itten in his artistic pursuits.
Conversely, Klee’s appointment
to work at the Bauhaus in Weimar was chiefly supported by Itten. Well-nigh simultaneously in
1914/1915, both artists began their lifelong investigation and study of color theory as well as
the structures inherent in the universe of color. In the case of Klee it was during a trip to Tunis,
while Itten's interest was sparked off by Adolf Hölzel’s color theory in Stuttgart. Over many
years, both artists took an interest in each other's art and also exchanged artworks.
The Kunstmuseum Bern, as home to the Johannes Itten Foundation, has key works of this artist
in its care as well as works of Paul Klee – like the painting Ad Parnassum, which can rightly be
considered as his artistic legacy on color. The fact that the show will also be shown in the
Martin- Gropius-Bau in Berlin testifies to how great the interest is in this fascinating exhibition
topic.
Contact: Brigit Bucher, brigit.bucher@kunstmuseumbern.ch , T +41 31 328 09 21
Images: Marie Louise Suter, press@kunstmuseumbern.ch , T +41 31 328 09 53
Media Conference: Wednesday, November 28, 2012, 10:15
Opening: Thursday, November 29, 2012, 18:30
Kunstmuseum Bern
Hodlerstrasse 8-12, Bern
Hours: Regular opening hours
Tuesday: 10h - 21h
Wednesday to Sunday:10h - 17h
Mondays: closed
Holidays
Closed on Good Friday, 1 August and 25 December
Open from 10h - 17h on other holidays
Admission fees
Collection CHF 7.00 /red. CHF 5.00
Children (up to 16): free
Exhibitions up to CHF 22.00 / red. CHF 18.00
Children (up to 16): free