“1933-1977”
An exhibition with works by Xanti Schawinsky
Opening reception:
November 19th, 5-8 pm
Exhibition dates:
November 19th - December 23rd, 2022
Ten Haaf Projects and Mano Ten Haaf are pleased to announce “1933-1977”, an
exhibition with works by Alexander “Xanti” Schawinsky (1904-1979).
Born in Basel, Switzerland, Schawinsky moved to Weimar (1924) where he
enrolled in the Bauhaus. As one of the original members of the Bauhaus, he
studied under artists like Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky. Together with Oskar
Schlemmer, he created his first stage work.
When the Nazi party rose to power and the Bauhaus was closed, it became
impossible for the Jewish-born Schawinsky to work as an artist. He then
immigrated to Italy (1933) where he worked as a graphic designer for industrial
companies like Illy Coffee and Olivetti. Soon Italian Fascism made his life difficult,
so he immigrated to the U.S.A in 1936.
Josef Albers invited Schawinsky to become a teacher at the now legendary Black
Mountain College. During the 1940-50s, the artist worked in New York and
exhibited at the MoMa. He also taught at New York University. In 1961,
Schawinsky moved back to Europe and worked there until his death in 1979.
On show are important pieces from the artist's career spanning over 40 years,
from 1933 to 1977. Diverse creations on paper and canvas, as well as screen-
prints are displayed.
Working with a variety of media, Xanti Schawinsky was a pioneer in many forms
of art. His vast artistic output as a painter, photographer, designer and dramatist
significantly influenced the modern and contemporary art world.
The artist's work can be found in important private and institutional collections,
such as the MoMa New York, Migros Museum Zurich, and the J. Paul Getty
Museum in Los Angeles.
