Expression; Komödie c. 1922

Karl Wiener created this drawing, "Expression; Komödie," with ink on paper. The figure on stage evokes the formal poses of classical ballet, but the stark lines of the medium and the dramatic lighting suggest something more modern. In the early decades of the 20th century, Vienna was home to a vibrant theatrical culture. Many artists engaged with the political and social role of performance. The German word “Komödie” suggests an interest in the artifice of theatre, as does the ambiguous space of the stage set. Is this figure bathed in light or trapped by darkness? Wiener's image may be a commentary on the uneasy relationship between performer and audience. To understand Wiener’s intent, we can look to sources such as theatre programs, reviews, and manifestos. These shed light on the cultural debates that informed the art of his time. We can discover how artists responded to the social institutions of their day, and how they challenged existing norms.