Wenn die Sternlein am Himmel stehen c. 1921

Editor: This is "Wenn die Sternlein am Himmel stehen," or "When the Stars are in the Sky," created around 1921 by Karl Wiener using colored pencils and pen. It has a really whimsical, almost dreamlike feel, and the colors are just so unexpected! What strikes you when you look at this? Curator: It’s the pure joy radiating off it, wouldn’t you say? Wiener’s choice of colours feels like a party in itself, totally breaking away from conventional landscape painting. He has people mingling under this vibrant star-studded sky... But is it really the *sky*, or something deeper, more psychological? Does it spark any specific feeling, or perhaps even remind you of any memory? Editor: It kind of reminds me of old cartoons, like Gumby, with those angular figures and bright hues. But I see what you mean about the deeper meaning... almost like these folks are figures inside a feeling. Do you see anything of the cultural context coming through? Curator: I see a yearning for community and connection, really prominent at the time, as in, Post-World War One. Perhaps Wiener sought escape through the creation of an exuberant space with dancing figures. Notice how he doesn’t shy away from vibrant hues; that, in itself, to me speaks volumes about expressing resilience and even rebellion against somber realities of the time. What's your impression on this palette now, if I may ask? Editor: I never would have thought of resilience in such bright colors! That’s a wonderful idea, like celebrating joy, not despite but because of the hardship. Curator: Precisely. I always feel the best art gives us more to chew on with every look, doesn’t it? This work shows it could simply start by questioning simple representation.