Emily Myers
Exam 2
1) Discuss the Bauhaus, including its philosophy, key figures, product designs, sources and influences. Be sure to give examples of works with a detailed visual and contextual analysis of each example to demonstrate your understanding of the Bauhaus approach. The Bauhaus school of art opened in April of 1919 by Walter Gropius. Gropius originally rejected the need for standardization and mass production within the arts, but after the first world war Gropius accepted the need.(Fiell, 304) The Bauhaus was created when Gropius combined the art schools Kunstgewerbeschule and the Hochchule fur Bildende Kunst into one.(Fiell, 83) The Bauhaus, meaning "Building House" was located in Weimar, Germany. Gropius wanted to create a new organization of learning for design, and sought to reform educational theory and unify the arts.(Fiell, 83) The Bauhaus curriculum consisted of two parts; students had to complete a year of foundation courses that focused on the use of color, form and materials. Following the year of foundation courses, students were to enter a workshop of their choosing in areas such as carpentry, ceramics, metal etc. The Bauhaus drew influence from other movements such as the Arts & Crafts movement and De Stijl. Throughout the lifetime of the Bauhaus, three directors took charge and led the Bauhaus into different directions. Walter Gropius, originally an architect, was the first director appointed to the Bauhaus; also the founder. Under Gropius, the Bauhaus originally looked to reform by returning to the middle ages. Like the English arts and crafts and the Jugendstil movement, the Bauhaus turned to Expressionism. (Hauffe, 75) During the first year of the Bauhaus, Gropius appointed three Masters to lead in the education of the students; Johannes Itten, Lyonel Feininger and Gerhard Marcks. Of the three masters, Johannes Itten was the