Paul Klee – Making Visible at The Tate Modern

Now on “gardening leave” after an unsuccessful attempt at getting a pay-raise, I decided to educate myself and visit The Tate Modern to see Paul Klee’s exhibit- Making Visible. At the very least I’d have something interesting to say in my next interview.

A mismatch of colours, squares and erratic movements- but enough about the visitors of this exhibition. Klee’s works are varied and with a distinct style. His landscapes and portraits are broken down into small squares of colour like a patchwork quilt, giving them a surreal quality. When looking closely you can see the sheer amount of layers of paint he used, with some parts protruding out.

This exhibition allows you to view his works in chronological order and read about the different stages of his life. Klee led an interesting life and broke through during the First World War. Later, in Dusseldorf, he was dismissed from a teaching role by the Nazi’s and his works removed and labelled “degenerate art”. I remembered reading that a young Hitler failed to get into art school and I wondered if banning Klee’s works was out of jealousy at seeing an artist find the success that Hitler failed to achieve. Klee and several non-conformist artists had the last laugh by opening an exhibit, which they mockingly called “degenerate artists”. Smarting from this, Hitler could only console himself with an attempt at world domination.

Klee had to finance his art work by teaching at numerous colleges throughout his life. He encouraged his students to experiment and he himself did with paints, charcoal, pencil and a pointillism phase. Many of his paintings seem to throw you into the midst of a bizarre story. One piece showed a boat man being attacked by 3 docile swimming beasts. I had a similar experience when swimming in the lakes on Hampstead Heath- but I’d rather not discuss that.

Klee worked prolifically and refused to have his creativity crushed. He saw his work as spontaneous creativity and once described drawing as “taking a line for a walk”. A lovely description on his refusal to accept the status quo and the accepted ways of doing things.

I read Klee’s words that he’d “rather take upon adversity myself rather than represent the tragi-comical figure of someone who tries to gain the favour of those in power.” Although not as monumental as opposing the Nazi’s, I liked to think my recent resignation was born out of a similar spirit.

This exhibition runs until 9th March at The Tate Modern and I’d thoroughly recommend it. Adult tickets cost £16.50. Here is their website.
http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/ey-exhibition-paul-klee-making-visible

Written by Martin Stocks
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