Bauhaus Building, Dessau, 1925-1926: View from southwest after 1926

Curator: This is Klaus Hertig's photograph of the Bauhaus Building in Dessau, taken sometime between 1925 and 1926. Editor: Its stark geometry is so striking. It exudes this kind of imposing order, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. The Bauhaus, founded by Walter Gropius, aimed to unify art, craft, and technology, challenging pre-war notions of artistic expression. Editor: The way Hertig captures the clean lines and cubic forms—it’s all about functionalism. Notice the flat roof and the large windows, devoid of ornamentation. Curator: And we must acknowledge the building itself as a symbol of social change, reflecting the Bauhaus's commitment to accessible design. The Bauhaus sought to erase the boundaries between artists and industrial workers. Editor: I see the photograph as a manifestation of pure form. It's as if the image itself embodies the Bauhaus ideals of precision and objectivity. Curator: Perhaps, but I feel it's also important to read this through the lens of socialist values that underpinned their mission to create practical designs for ordinary people. Editor: A compelling perspective. Looking at Hertig's photograph, I now see a dialogue between form and socio-political intent.