 |
  |
The 1902 Vienna Secessionist exhibition was not a display of individual works, but rather a temple-like “total work of art” where the architecture, sculpture, painting and furnishings all functioned together to celebrate Beethoven and his 9th Symphony, which incorporated lines from Friedrich Schiller’s 1795 poem, Ode to Joy. In this detail from Gustav Klimt’s frieze (top), figures hold the symbol referred to in the Ode as “the wheel of the eternal time machine,” “the great circle,” and “the holy circle.” The detail from Kolomon Moser’s mosaic (bottom) recalls the lines, “Can you sense the Creator, world? Seek him above the starry canopy. Above the stars He must dwell. Joy is called the strong motivation in eternal nature.” |
|
Poetic Spaces
By C.J. Hurley
Designing Gesamtkunstwerk, the “Total Work of Art” Gesamtkunstwerk (geh-ZAHMPT-koonst-verk) is likely not the first word you think of when you think Arts and Crafts, but perhaps it should be, for it may be the most important idea to spring from the rich fountain of the Arts and Crafts movement. German for “the total work of art,” gesamtkunstwerk refers to a comprehensive architectural work encompassing the whole spectrum of the arts—from painting and sculpture to ceramics, metalwork, textiles, even poetry and music. The aim was to create an Architecture that was seamless with its ornament, that was imbued with deep symbolic meaning, and that would uplift those who dwelt in it to a more satisfying, healthful and contented way of life. A successful gesamtkunstwerk could be a single home, like Hugh Mackay Baillie Scott’s Blackwell, but it could also be a planned community like Walter Burley Griffin’s Rock Crest Rock Glen, or an art exhibition like the Vienna Secession’s Beethoven show of 1902. … Subscribe to read the entire article. Subscribe and SAVE up to 19% off the cover price!
|
