art and the institution

The Bauhaus

• The Bauhaus was one of the biggest influences on art in the 20th century.
• It started in the early 20th century after WW1 and during the reign of the left-wing Wiemar government who allowed more free expression an experimentation than the earlier regime.
• The Bauhaus students had both theory and practical lessons which became the model for many modern art schools.
  
• The Bauhaus promoted practically, a building should be designed with its purpose in mind. They attempted to bridge the gap between art and industry.
• Its influence was strongest in the US, Canada, Western Europe and Israel which has over 4000 Bauhaus buildings which are heritage listed.
• Its easy to see the links from Industrialization and Futurism to the Bauhaus. It embraced 20th century machine culture and the urban and technological.
  
• Some of the biggest artists of the time were lecturers at the school.
• To many traditionalists the Bauhaus and its culture and influence were formidable. German mothers told their children: "If you don't behave, I'll send you to the Bauhaus."
• It had to move twice because of political opposition to the school and its founders. It was often perceived as too liberal and when the Nazis came to power it was shutdown.
  
• The ideas and conventions developed at the Bauhaus have had a lasting impact on all areas of creativity including art, design and architecture.