Oskar Kokoschka

Date of Birth: March 1, 1886

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: February 22, 1980

Biography

Oskar Kokoschka was an Austrian artist, poet, and playwright, born on March 1, 1886, in Pöchlarn, Austria. He is best known for his intense expressionistic portraits and landscapes, which have made significant contributions to the Expressionist movement. Kokoschka studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Vienna and became a central figure in the Viennese avant-garde, often collaborating with other notable artists and intellectuals of his time, such as Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. Kokoschka’s early works were characterized by their psychological depth and raw emotional intensity, often delving into themes of human suffering and existential angst. His turbulent affair with Alma Mahler, the widow of composer Gustav Mahler, deeply influenced his work, leading to the creation of some of his most passionate and critically acclaimed paintings. During World War I, Kokoschka served in the Austrian army and was severely wounded, an experience that further impacted his artistic vision. After the war, he continued to produce powerful and provocative works, moving to Dresden, where he became a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts. With the rise of the Nazi regime, Kokoschka, whose art was labeled as “degenerate,” fled to Prague and later to England. In his later years, Kokoschka continued to paint and exhibit internationally, earning numerous accolades and recognition for his contributions to modern art. He passed away on February 22, 1980, in Montreux, Switzerland.

5 Interesting Facts about Oskar Kokoschka

1. Oskar Kokoschka was a member of the Vienna Secession, a group that rejected traditional academic art.

2. He created a life-sized doll of his former lover Alma Mahler, which he later destroyed in a public performance.

3. Kokoschka’s work was included in the infamous “Degenerate Art” exhibition organized by the Nazis in 1937.

4. He was an outspoken political activist, often using his art to criticize totalitarian regimes.

5. Kokoschka received numerous honors in his lifetime, including the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Oskar Kokoschka

1. “All that’s left for me is to go to the tavern and watch the world go to hell.”

2. “True dreams and visions should be as visible to the artist as the phenomena of the objective world.”

3. “A portrait isn’t a photograph. It’s a painting, a piece of art.”

4. “If I want to express my anger, I do it with my brush.”

5. “Art is the experience of living.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Oskar Kokoschka is difficult to pinpoint precisely, but it is estimated that his estate was worth several million dollars at the time of his death, given the value of his artworks and their continued appreciation.