Entartete Kunst Exhibition

Definition

The Entartete Kunst Exhibition, or 'Degenerate Art Exhibition,' was a propaganda event organized by the Nazi regime in 1937 to showcase modern art that they deemed as corrupt and un-German. This exhibition aimed to discredit avant-garde artists and their works, labeling them as degenerate and contrary to the values of Aryan society. By contrasting this art with traditional forms, the Nazis sought to reinforce their ideology of racial purity and artistic nationalism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Entartete Kunst Exhibition opened in Munich on July 19, 1937, and featured around 650 works from over 100 artists, including renowned figures like Wassily Kandinsky and Paul Klee.
2. The exhibition was designed not only to mock modern artists but also to attract large crowds through its sensational presentation, including provocative captions and displays.
3. In contrast to the Entartete Kunst Exhibition, the Nazis held the Great German Art Exhibition simultaneously, showcasing works that aligned with their idealized vision of art.
4. Many pieces displayed at the Entartete Kunst Exhibition were confiscated from museums across Germany as part of a broader campaign against modern art.
5. Following the exhibition, many artworks labeled as degenerate were sold off or destroyed, significantly impacting the careers of the artists involved.

Review Questions

• What was the main purpose of the Entartete Kunst Exhibition and how did it reflect Nazi ideology?
  • The primary purpose of the Entartete Kunst Exhibition was to discredit modern art that the Nazis viewed as corrupt and not representative of their ideals. It served as a platform for propagating Nazi ideology by showcasing artworks that contradicted their vision of racial purity and traditional values. Through this exhibition, the regime aimed to influence public perception against avant-garde artists, reinforcing their belief in a singular, nationalist aesthetic.
• Discuss the relationship between the Entartete Kunst Exhibition and the broader context of Nazi cultural policies during the 1930s.
  • The Entartete Kunst Exhibition was closely tied to Nazi cultural policies that emphasized control over artistic expression and promotion of traditional values. The exhibition highlighted the regime's disdain for modernism and its commitment to fostering an artistic environment that celebrated Aryan culture. This was part of a larger effort by the Nazis to unify art with their political goals, ensuring that all forms of artistic expression adhered to their strict ideological framework.
• Evaluate the impact of the Entartete Kunst Exhibition on contemporary art movements and artists in Europe post-World War II.
  • The Entartete Kunst Exhibition had a profound impact on contemporary art movements and artists after World War II by solidifying the division between modernism and traditionalism in European art. The exhibition not only marginalized avant-garde artists during its time but also prompted a resurgence of interest in these movements once the war ended. Artists who were previously silenced began to reclaim their voices, leading to new explorations in abstract expressionism and other modern styles as they sought to redefine art in a post-Nazi context. The legacy of the exhibition continues to influence discussions about censorship and artistic freedom today.

Related terms

Degenerate Art: Art that was rejected by the Nazi regime as it was believed to corrupt the ideals of Aryan culture, often characterized by abstraction, surrealism, and other modernist styles.

Nazi Aesthetics: The artistic principles and preferences promoted by the Nazi regime, focusing on classical forms, realism, and themes that glorified the Aryan race and German nationalism.

Propaganda: Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or point of view, particularly utilized by the Nazis to control public perception of art and culture.