Der Sturm

Definition

Der Sturm was a prominent avant-garde magazine founded in 1910 by the German artist Herwarth Walden, which played a vital role in promoting expressionism and modern art. It served as a platform for artists, writers, and intellectuals to share their ideas and showcase their works, making it an essential part of the cultural landscape during the early 20th century. The magazine was influential in connecting various avant-garde movements and fostering a spirit of innovation in art and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Der Sturm was known for featuring works from leading artists of the time, including Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc, and Paul Klee, highlighting their contributions to modern art.
2. The magazine not only published visual art but also included poetry, essays, and manifestos that promoted avant-garde ideas and challenged conventional artistic norms.
3. Der Sturm held exhibitions and events to showcase the work of its contributors, creating a vibrant community around modern art and fostering connections between artists.
4. The publication ceased in 1932 due to economic difficulties and the rise of National Socialism, which opposed the avant-garde movement.
5. Through its radical content and commitment to new ideas, Der Sturm played a critical role in shaping public perception of modern art during a time of social and political upheaval in Europe.

Review Questions

• How did Der Sturm contribute to the promotion of expressionism and the broader avant-garde movements in early 20th-century art?
  • Der Sturm was instrumental in promoting expressionism by providing a platform for artists to share their innovative ideas and works. The magazine featured prominent expressionist artists like Wassily Kandinsky, helping to disseminate their theories on color, form, and emotion. By connecting various avant-garde movements and encouraging experimentation, Der Sturm fostered an environment where radical artistic expression could flourish.
• Discuss the significance of Herwarth Walden's role as the editor of Der Sturm in shaping its direction and influence on modern art.
  • Herwarth Walden played a crucial role as the editor of Der Sturm by curating its content and guiding its vision towards promoting avant-garde ideas. His own background as an artist allowed him to understand the needs of his contributors while advocating for new forms of artistic expression. Under his leadership, Der Sturm became a nexus for modern artists, greatly impacting how contemporary art was perceived both in Germany and internationally.
• Evaluate the impact of socio-political factors on the decline of Der Sturm as an influential art publication during the rise of National Socialism.
  • The decline of Der Sturm can be attributed to socio-political factors such as economic hardship and the rise of National Socialism, which viewed avant-garde movements as degenerate. The Nazi regime's promotion of traditional art forms led to censorship and hostility towards publications like Der Sturm that embraced modernist ideals. As political oppression stifled creative expression, the magazine struggled to survive economically while its contributors faced increasing persecution, marking a significant turning point for modern art in Germany.

Related terms

Expressionism: An artistic movement that sought to express emotional experience rather than physical reality, often through bold colors and exaggerated forms.

Herwarth Walden: A German painter, art critic, and editor who founded Der Sturm and was a key figure in the expressionist movement.

Avante-Garde: A term used to describe innovative and experimental ideas and works in art, culture, and politics that challenge traditional norms.