Notes from the Vault
The Hammer that Shapes Reality - A Selection of Works by Käthe Kollwitz
By Makayla Jenkins, BU class of 2023, History
Undergraduate Intern, Martin Museum of Art
Being assigned to conduct reading and research, and later writing for this exhibition project, what were your goals/tasks for working on the exhibition; including some revelations you landed upon through your reading, research, and findings?
My main goal for this project was to create a window into the life of Käthe Kollwitz— how she lived, how and why she worked; and present it in a way that I think she would have approved of. I wanted to find a way to show people the lens in which she saw life through. Kollwitz’ diary and letters were an excellent resource, and with these in hand, along with viewing the artworks in the Martin Museum’s collection, I was better able to understand her; and I was moved and inspired to create the poem, “The Fortress Against Death.” In addition to the poem, I wrote an essay that investigated other ideas, and focused on identity, women’s rights and femininity. While researching and writing, I had a lot of revelations—because a lot of the struggles she fought for, in addition to the World Wars, like women’s rights, abortion rights; and I found a lot of parallels to today, and what we are still fighting for.
Being so deeply involved in the research for these works, what was the overall impact of the artworks upon you, and the strengths you see/find in the works?
The artworks of Kollwitz really inspire me. Despite how dark the work may seem at first, and how much pain she was in, how she empathized, and consequently, how she fought so hard through such dark moments in history. In each piece you can sense the emotion she felt and that is a powerful thing. During the time of my research on Kollwitz, I was personally struggling with grief and depression. It was nothing compared with her life, but I felt as though I was not alone; and despite the pain I was feeling, I commiserated with Kollwitz’ life and story. I felt empowered to keep fighting, in my own way, to pocket my grief, and transform it into strength—even though I was sad. Her art and story constantly inspired me.
What is your favorite piece in the show, and why?
My favorite piece in the show would have to be Tod und Frau or Tod, Frau, und Kind. I love how detailed and expressive these works are, and how you can see a story, caught in a moment. They are tragic but beautiful in their own way. You can see how strong she made the women, while they are fighting against death, while the child still clings to her.
In summarization, what did you gain from working on this exhibition/project, and what does it mean to you?
Working and helping with the exhibit meant the world to me. It allowed me to experience how it could be like working in a museum and if I wanted to pursue this career pathway. This experience gave me more confidence and excitement in what I wanted to study, and continue to pursue a career in museums.
Would you care to share some of your sources/readings for reading/research?
Some of the main sources and readings I used for this research were The Diary and Letters of Kaethe Kollwitz which was written down by her son and later translated; Jamie Dortchs writing, Kathe Kollwitz: Women’s Art, Working Class Agitation, and Maternal Feminism in the Weimar Republic; and a paper written by Rosemary P. Carbine and Kathleen, Women, Wisdom, and Witness: Engaging Contexts in Conversation.
Brief background and bio on you:
I am Makayla Jenkins and I graduated from Baylor University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. I am a military brat and a first-generation college student. I have traveled across the United States; and am fascinated by history and the creative arts. I have been an artist for almost my whole life, specializing in charcoal, crafts, and poetry. My main passions are researching historical events and traveling. I thrive to continue working in museums and continuing my education.
