Bauhaus the face of the 20th century

1994

Frank Whitford

Bauhaus - The Face of the 20th Century, written and narrated by Frank Whitford, is an art documentary depicting the visual science generated from the outpouring of avant-garde ideas of this innovative educational undertaking. Great teachers such as Swiss artists Paul Klee and Johannes Itten, together with Russian-born Wassily Kandinsky (the inventor of abstract art), taught the Bauhaus Foundations course concentrating on color, form and geometry. These skills sharpened students' perceptions and allowed the exploration of personal feelings and senses with an application to abstract art. Itten utilized Froebel's theory of education by play that is commonly used in many schools today. Sculptor and painter Oskar Schlemmer was the creative force behind the Theatrical Department applying all elements into community theatre. His architectural sense, paintings and dance interpretations were dramatic examples of progressive theory. Ideas and inventions ran rampant in the attitude of bohemian independence causing Weimar residents to shy away from the radical art students of the Bauhaus.