The Hammer That Shapes Reality: A Selection of Works by Käthe Kollwitz
Open through November 10th, 2024
Käthe Kollwitz produced a prolific output of graphic arts work from the early 1900s until her death in 1945. Largely focusing on the deep biological connection between mother and child, and the vulnerability of this relationship, as threatened by violence, war, and famine; Kollwitz’ work rejuvenated the strength of woman as mother, and gave a new voice and increased visibility for women and women’s rights during the Weimar Republic. While being criticized by some waves of feminists as reinforcing the (male-centric) stereotype of the woman as weak, fragile, and overly sensitive to the effects of live and death; Kollwitz’ stance was not so, and instead created awareness on the value of life, and the associated power that women had- not only over their own bodies, but additionally, to speak up, and protest the atrocities that were claiming the lives of a younger generation.
Image shown above: Käthe Kollwitz, "Die Mutter [The Mothers], plate VI from Sieben Holzschnitte zum Krieg [Seven Woodcuts on War]," 1922-1923 © 2024 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York