Nocturno 1953

Willi Baumeister created “Nocturno” with oil, paint, and filler. It is an abstract composition featuring geometric shapes and linear figures against a blue background. Baumeister was a key figure in 20th-century abstract art. His work challenged the prevailing social norms of the time, particularly during the rise of Nazi Germany, when abstract art was considered "degenerate". His commitment to abstraction represented a form of resistance against the repressive cultural policies of the regime. He embraced the avant-garde movements in Europe and actively opposed academic traditions in German art schools. In our interpretation, we can investigate the role of institutions such as the Bauhaus, where Baumeister taught. By consulting historical archives, artist's letters, and exhibition catalogs, we can trace the development of abstract art and its complex relationship to social and political change. Art, as we understand it, always depends on its cultural and institutional context.