Self-Portrait 1914

This is Oskar Kokoschka's self-portrait, made with lithography on paper. While undated, it's helpful to remember that Kokoschka lived through both World Wars, eras of immense societal upheaval that dramatically impacted artists. Looking at this print, you see an artist who seems deeply affected. His face is gaunt, his eyes wide, conveying a sense of anxiety. Kokoschka served in World War I, an experience that marked him deeply and is reflected in his emotionally charged work. Holding a lithographic crayon in his hands, he offers a narrative of the artist as both creator and witness to a turbulent world. Kokoschka's art often challenges traditional representations, diving into the raw, unfiltered aspects of human emotion. He doesn't shy away from depicting vulnerability, offering a personal and honest reflection of his inner state. His goal was to offer the viewer the ability to participate in a "drama of emotions." This piece invites us to consider the emotional and psychological toll of war, and the role of the artist in interpreting and expressing collective trauma.