Otto Dix: Art is Exorcism

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It was Otto Dix who said “Art is exorcism. I paint dreams and visions too; the dreams and visions of my time. Painting is the effort to produce order; order in yourself. There is much chaos in me, much chaos in our time.” (“The Art Story.org-Your Guide to Modern Art”). Dix was born in Untermhaus, Germany to Franz and Pauline Dix, on December 2, 1891. His parents were working class Germans during this period. His father was a mold maker in a foundry and his mother was a seamstress. Dix received much of his character from his father and grew fond of music and the arts through his mother. As mentioned, his parents were working class people, and the years labor that they endured were evident in his painting titled, “Parents of the Artist” (1921). In an effort to avoid the laboring life that his parents were forced to endure, Dix decided to become an artist after he had modeled for the painter Fritz Amann. Dix would eventually get financial assistance to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. The financial assistance was granted with the requirement of learning a trade. As a result Dix would be an apprentice decorator for four years while he studied art under Ernst Schunke (“The Art Story.org-Your Guide to Modern Art”). The artists in which Dix was influenced were Max Beckmann, Rudolph Schlichter, George Grosz, Balthus, and Salvador Dali. Dix didn’t have many friends, but he was particularly close to Johanna Ey (in the figure to the right). Johanna was a restaurant owner who had an affinity for fine art. Eventually Johanna, lovingly referred to as Mother Ey, would convert her restaurant to an art gallery where she supported many of the local artists. She would become a very important part of the lives of many upcoming artists, especi... ... middle of paper ... ...s-cork.com/famous-artists/otto-dix.htm#degenerate Otto Dix (1891-1969). (n.d.). Otto Dix (1891-1969). Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.mess.net/galleria/dix/ Otto Dix - a critic of capitalism - artnet Magazine. (n.d.). Otto Dix - a critic of capitalism - artnet Magazine. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.artnet.com/magazineus/features/kuspit/otto-dix3-24-10.asp Self Portrait with Champagne Glass, 1919. (n.d.). About.com Art History. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://arthistory.about.com/od/from_exhibitions/ig/glitterdoom/gad_01.htm THE COLLECTION. (n.d.). MoMA.org. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?criteria=O%3AAD%3AE%3A1559&page_number=42&template_id=1&sort_order=1 The Online Otto Dix Project. (n.d.). Otto Dix. Retrieved March 20, 2014, from http://www.ottodix.org/index/catalog-paintings?&offset=30

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