Otto Freundlich
Otto Freundlich (1878–1943) was a German painter and sculptor, recognized as a pioneer of abstract art in the early 20th century. Born in Stolp, Prussia (now Słupsk, Poland), he initially studied dentistry before pursuing art studies in Munich and Florence. In 1908, Freundlich moved to Paris, immersing himself in the avant-garde community of Montmartre, where he interacted with influential artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. His early works were influenced by Cubism and Expressionism, leading him to develop a unique abstract style characterized by vibrant colors and geometric forms.
Freundlich's artistic journey was marked by his commitment to abstraction and his involvement in various art movements. He was a member of the November Group and co-organized the first Dada exhibition in Cologne in 1919. In 1925, he joined the Abstraction-Création group, further solidifying his role in the abstract art movement. His notable works include "Der Neue Mensch" ("The New Man"), a sculpture that was infamously featured on the cover of the Nazi's "Degenerate Art" exhibition catalog in 1937. With the rise of the Nazi regime, Freundlich's works were condemned, and he faced persecution due to his Jewish heritage. He fled to France but was eventually arrested and deported to the Majdanek concentration camp, where he was murdered in 1943. Today, Freundlich's legacy endures through his contributions to abstract art, with his works held in various museums and collections worldwide.
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Full Name: Otto Freundlich
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Birth and Death: 1878–1943
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Profession: Painter and Sculptor
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Influences: Cubism, Expressionism, Abstract Art
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Legacy: Pioneer of abstract art; member of the November Group and Abstraction-Création; works held in international collections
