Kathe Kollwitz: The Art of Compassion

Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945) was a leading 20th century German artist. Kollwitz's art was rooted in socialism and naturalism, and focused on the lives of the common people, usually working class women. Through her involvement in the sufferings of the poor in the slums of Berlin, her exposure to the horrors of two world wars, and the experience of living through several personal tragedies, she came to see herself as the "voice of suffering" and "an advocate" for the people. Among her preferred themes were motherhood, sacrifice, separation, oppression and death. She also created many moving self-portraits.Exhibition Catalogue:Published by the Art Gallery of Ontario, this 72-page catalogue includes 45 reproductions (15 colour, and 30 b&w). Contents of the catalogue include: a brief history of the Stuttgart Kollwitz collection by the former curator Dr. Gunther Thiem; an overview of Kollwitz's life and art by Brenda Rix; and a major essay by Kollwitz scholar, Jay Clarke, Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings, Art Institute of Chicago.