Hans Hofmann
Hans Hofmann
Full Name and Common Aliases
Hans Hofmann was born as Johann Philipp Hans Hofmann on March 21, 1880, in Weissenfels, Kingdom of Saxony (now part of Germany). He is commonly known by his first name, Hans.
Birth and Death Dates
Hofmann was born on March 21, 1880, and passed away on February 17, 1966.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Hans Hofmann was a German-American painter who worked in the styles of Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Early Life and Background
Born into a middle-class family, Hofmann grew up with an artistic inclination from an early age. His father was a civil servant, and his mother came from a family of musicians and poets. As a young boy, Hans spent much time playing in nature, which would later influence his abstract representations of the natural world.
Major Accomplishments
Hans Hofmann made significant contributions to modern art, both as an artist and an educator. He is credited with developing a new style that emphasized the expressive qualities of color and space. His theories on color, space, and movement had a profound impact on the development of Abstract Expressionism in America.
Notable Works or Actions
Hofmann's notable works include "The Gate" (1939) and "The White Radiation" (1944-1946), both of which demonstrate his innovative use of color and composition. He also developed a new technique called "push-pull," where the viewer is encouraged to move into and out of the painting.
Impact and Legacy
Hofmann's legacy extends far beyond his own work as an artist. As an educator, he founded the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts in New York City, which attracted many prominent artists, including Mark Rothko and Robert Rauschenberg. His innovative ideas on color theory have had a lasting impact on art education.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Hans Hofmann's quotes and writings are widely quoted because they offer insightful commentary on the creative process. He believed in the importance of experimentation and taking risks, stating: "Art is magic advanced in its development, as such as it outdoes itself when it is at its best." His emphasis on color and space continues to influence artists today.
Hans Hofmann's remarkable career has left an enduring mark on modern art. As a pioneer of Abstract Expressionism and Surrealism, he paved the way for countless other innovators in the field. His quotes continue to inspire artists, educators, and anyone interested in exploring the mysteries of creativity.
Quotes by Hans Hofmann
Hans Hofmann's insights on:
The art of pictorial creation is so complicated - it is so astronomical in its possibilities of relation and combination that it would take an act of super-human concentration to explain the final realization.
The plastic artist may or may not be concerned with presenting a superficial appearance of reality, but he is always concerned with the presentation – if not the representation – of the plastic values of reality.
It isn’t necessary to make things large to make them monumental; a head by Giacometti one inch high would be able to vitalize this whole space.
The child is really an artist, and the artist should be like a child, but he should not stay a child. He must become an artist. That means he cannot permit himself to become sentimental or something like that. He must know what he is doing.
The art of pictorial creation is so complicated – it is so astronomical in its possibilities of relation and combination that it would take an act of super-human concentration to explain the final realization.
I can’t understand how anyone is able to paint without optimism. Despite the general pessimistic attitude in the world today, I am nothing but an optimist.
A work of art is a world in itself reflecting senses and emotions of the artist’s world.
