Die neue wilden

Definition

Die neue wilden, or 'The New Wild Ones,' refers to a movement in German art during the late 20th century, characterized by a return to expressive, figurative painting that contrasts sharply with the minimalist and conceptual art of the preceding years. This group of artists sought to convey raw emotions and subjective experiences through vibrant colors, aggressive brushwork, and often chaotic compositions, embodying a sense of rebellion against the rigid norms of previous art movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Die neue wilden emerged in Germany during the 1980s as a reaction against the prevailing conceptual art movements and minimalism.
2. Key figures associated with die neue wilden include artists like Georg Baselitz, Anselm Kiefer, and Markus Lüpertz, who all emphasized emotional intensity in their works.
3. The movement was marked by large-scale paintings that often featured distorted figures and symbols reflecting personal and societal struggles.
4. Die neue wilden sought to reconnect art with the visceral experiences of life, addressing themes such as trauma, identity, and the human condition.
5. Exhibitions showcasing die neue wilden gained international attention, positioning German artists at the forefront of contemporary art during the late 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did die neue wilden differentiate itself from the preceding art movements of minimalism and conceptual art?
  • Die neue wilden distinguished itself by embracing expressive and figurative painting while rejecting the sterile qualities of minimalism and the intellectual focus of conceptual art. Instead of prioritizing ideas over emotions, artists within this movement emphasized raw feelings through vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork. This shift marked a significant departure from earlier artistic practices, leading to a resurgence of emotional depth and personal narrative in contemporary art.
• In what ways did the works of key artists in die neue wilden reflect broader societal themes within Germany during the 1980s?
  • The works produced by artists associated with die neue wilden often mirrored societal tensions in Germany during the 1980s, including issues related to identity, trauma from World War II, and post-war recovery. Their chaotic compositions and distorted figures were visual responses to these themes, conveying a sense of unease and emotional turmoil prevalent in post-war German society. By confronting these subjects directly through their art, they highlighted the struggles faced by individuals amidst societal transformation.
• Evaluate the impact of die neue wilden on contemporary art and its legacy in shaping future artistic movements.
  • Die neue wilden played a pivotal role in revitalizing interest in expressive painting during a time dominated by conceptual approaches. Its influence extended beyond Germany, encouraging artists worldwide to explore emotional depth and subjective experience in their work. The legacy of die neue wilden can be seen in subsequent movements that continue to prioritize emotional expression over intellectual abstraction, thus establishing a renewed appreciation for figurative painting that resonates with audiences on a visceral level.

Related terms

Neo-Expressionism: A postmodern art movement that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasizing emotional expression and a return to figurative representation, often influenced by earlier expressionist styles.

Brücke: A group of early 20th-century German artists who sought to create a bridge between traditional and modern art through vibrant color and emotional content, paving the way for later movements like die neue wilden.

Postmodernism: An artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a departure from modernist ideals, embracing pluralism, irony, and a mix of styles and mediums.