Bauhaus Building, Dessau, 1925-1926: View from southwest after 1926

Curator: Klaus Hertig's black and white photograph captures the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, likely around 1925-1926. What's your immediate impression? Editor: Stark and rather cold, wouldn't you say? The geometric forms speak of rationality, but the lack of human presence creates a sense of alienation. Curator: The Bauhaus was revolutionary. This building became a potent symbol for the school's utopian vision: the unity of art, craft, and technology within a socially progressive context. Editor: Absolutely. And the symbols of that vision are so clear: The flat roofs suggest modernity, while the grid-like windows embody a new, functional aesthetic. Even the font choice exudes a forward-thinking ethos. Curator: Indeed. It was a project of public education and social reform, aiming to shape not just buildings but also citizens. The photographic medium itself reinforced the aura of progress and precision. Editor: Considering its influence, it's fascinating how severe it appears. A true icon can be both admired and, perhaps, a little feared.