Wall Painting from the Temple of Longing 1922

Paul Klee created this wall painting, from the Temple of Longing, using mixed media on paper. The composition is a fascinating blend of geometric shapes and directional arrows, set against an earthy, mottled background. Klee, who taught at the Bauhaus school in Germany, was deeply engaged with the project of modernism. He was interested in how art could reflect the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human experience. The arrows might be seen as symbols of aspiration, or perhaps frustration, as they point in different directions, evoking a sense of longing. Are they individuals searching for meaning? Historians studying Klee often consult his diaries and teaching notes to understand his artistic intentions. These resources shed light on the cultural and intellectual context in which he worked, and the ways in which art can capture the mood and spirit of an age. Ultimately, it is through careful study of the visual language and historical context that we can better appreciate the complexities of this Temple of Longing.