Hans Hofmann (Hofmann Hans)

(1880-1966)
Born in Weissenberg (Germany) March 21, 1880. In 1898 began to study painting in Munich. Soon Hofmann began to write in the style of French impressionists and some time later went to Paris. There he became acquainted with many modernists, in t.ch. with Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. But even more important for the development of his style was familiar with Henri Matisse and Fauvism, in scenes which Hofmann struck powerful contours and bold use of color.
Since the beginning of the First World War Hofmann was summoned to Munich, where in 1915 opened a school of modern art. In the next 20 years, Hofmann created the very few significant works, . but his teaching has influenced not only his immediate disciples, . such, . as a painter or sculptor Larry Rivers, Louise Nevelson, . but on a whole generation of collectors, . art historians and curators,
.

In 1930, with the advent of the Nazis, Hofmann emigrated to the U.S. and first taught at the University of California at Berkeley, and then opened his school in New York and Provincetown (pc. Mass.). In 1941 he became an American citizen. By this time Hofmann again began to write, and in 1958 left teaching.

In the works of Hofmann cubism combined with vigor and courage Fauve. Despite the fact that usually the core of the picture he is any recognizable object, the development of the theme is carried through many bright flying smears. To achieve the dramatic effect Hofmann used a very bright colors primary colors. Sometimes the thickness of paint reaches his half centimeters. Painting Red trickle (1939) is the first experience in the technique of dripping paint on canvas, which is then successfully used by Jackson Pollock and other representatives of Abstract Expressionism. It is also noteworthy canvases Poet (1940), Delight (1947), X (1955) and Joy - Sparks of the Gods (1964). Large exhibition of works by the artist were organized in the Paul Cassirer Gallery in Berlin (1910) and in the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York (1957). Hofmann died 17 February 1966.