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WolsGerman painter, graphic artist, photographer.
Date of Birth: 27.05.1913
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Birth and Early Life
- A Turning Point
- The Impact of Personal Loss
- Paris and Surrealism
- Exile and Hardship
- Photography and Pseydonym
- Internment and Release
- Post-War Success and Tragedy
- Deteriorating Health and Death
- Legacy
Birth and Early Life
Alfred Otto Schulze, later known as Wols, was born into a distinguished German family in 1913. His father's passion for art exposed him to renowned painters, including Otto Dix, who frequented the family home.
A Turning Point
In 1924, Wols received a camera that ignited his interest in photography. Two years later, visits to art exhibitions in Dresden profoundly influenced him, leading him to pursue music and sports.
The Impact of Personal Loss
The death of Wols' father in 1929 shattered his world. Abandoning school, he immersed himself in photography and avant-garde circles. Through his father's friend, Leo Frobenius, he became fascinated with ethnographic studies.
Paris and Surrealism
Inspired by László Moholy-Nagy, Wols traveled to Paris in 1932. There, he encountered Fernand Léger and the surrealist movement through Elena-Margarita Dabijà, who became his wife. He befriended artists such as Hans Arp, Calder, Giacometti, and cultural figures from the theater and cinema.
Exile and Hardship
In 1933, Wols returned to Paris as a deserter and stateless person. He faced financial struggles, working as a taxi driver and guide, and living in poverty. In 1935, he was expelled from Spain due to his political status.
Photography and Pseydonym
With the help of Léger, Wols received permission to reside in Paris in 1936. He adopted the pseudonym Wols, which he derived from his initials. From 1937 onward, he actively pursued photography, capturing images for the World's Fair in Paris and publishing them in international magazines.
Internment and Release
In September 1939, Wols was interned as an enemy subject in various camps in France. In 1940, he was released after marrying Greti, who held French citizenship.
Post-War Success and Tragedy
Wols returned to Paris in 1945 and signed a contract with Galerie René Drouin. His oil paintings exhibited in 1947 revolutionized contemporary art, establishing him as a pioneer of tachisme and informel. He collaborated with renowned authors, illustrating works by Sartre, Kafka, and Arto.
Deteriorating Health and Death
By 1948, Wols' health had taken a turn for the worse. After a lengthy hospital stay, he died in 1951 from severe food poisoning.
Legacy
Posthumously, Wols' works were exhibited at three documenta exhibitions in Kassel between 1955 and 1964. His unique blend of photography, painting, and calligraphy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.
