Klimt
Release Date:
No Release Date at this Time
Limited release
On the Big Board |
| Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
| 171/214 |
Max Braden |
I don't think I bought Malkovich in this role. |
Gustav Klimt was nothing if not controversial. The artist born in 1862 attained acclaim in the 1880s for his work on public projects in Vienna. He created sweeping murals at Burgtheater and the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum. Now, his life story is being turned into a major theatrical production starring John Malkovich in the title role.
Not satisfied with his prior accomplishments, the painter eschewed convention and began to create more and more fantastical murals. In 1894, his work at Vienna University created a wildfire of controversy. The Academy of Fines Arts along with the government (the project was commissioned by the state) determined his latest
mural was simply too avante garde.
In response to this attack on his artistic sensibilities, Klimt formed The Secession, a collective or experimental artists who wanted to broaden the horizons and expand the imaginations of art lovers. They frequently drove this point home by celebrating the erotic. This bohemian behavior earned them no love from the establishment.
His two best known works were painted in a five year period from 1902 to 1907. The Beethoven Frieze was exhibited at The Secession's museum. The Kiss was created at his summer residence near Salzburg in 1907. (David Mumpower/BOP)
Tweet
