Vorstadt VI 1926

Karl Wiener created "Vorstadt VI" using colored pencil, a medium that allows for both precision and expressiveness, characteristics that define his style. Wiener was born in Vienna, Austria, a place and time that deeply influenced his worldview. The artwork invites us down a quiet street. The buildings seem close and imposing, a black tree casts long shadows that darken the street and make it feel enclosed. What were the sights and sounds in this place, and how did these impact the lived experience of the residents? This tension between private and public space is palpable, as the architecture seems to both reveal and conceal. Wiener's work reflects the artistic and intellectual currents of his time, particularly expressionism and new objectivity, which sought to portray the psychological realities of modern life. He navigates the social and political upheavals of early 20th-century Europe, with his work often reflecting a sense of unease and alienation. "Vorstadt VI" can be understood as a reflection on the changing urban landscape and its impact on individual lives.