Life and Artistic Practice
Walter Kampmann was a German painter, graphic artist, sculptor, exlibrist, and handicrafter. Born in Elberfeld, Germany, he studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule Elberfeld under Heinrich Phieler and Max Bernuth. During his time there, he served as a teacher for writing and graphics starting in 1913. His career included a period as a soldier in France during the First World War, a time when he created various graphics such as Zum Angriff, Sturmangriff, Einschlagende Granate, Kampf, and Attacke. These works were later confiscated and destroyed by the National Socialists as "degenerate art."
In 1919, he was appointed as a teacher at the Higher Technical School for Textile and Clothing Industry in Berlin, where he led the specialized class for weaving, embroidery, and applied arts. He was a member of the Novembergruppe and the Deutscher Werkbund. In 1932, he co-founded the artists' group Selection alongside Paul Klee, Max Beckmann, Wassily Kandinsky, Oskar Moll, Georg Muche, and Lyonel Feininger.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the Nazi rise to power, Kampmann faced exhibition and work bans due to his membership in the Novembergruppe. He was dismissed from his teaching position in 1937 and moved to Rangsdorf, seeking refuge in "inner emigration" to focus on his graphic and plastic works. In 1936, he was interned in a "Künstlerumschulungslager" in Hohenlychen. During the war, he was drafted into the Luftwaffe in 1945. After being captured by the English in Hamburg, he returned to Rangsdorf. He passed away in Berlin due to heart failure caused by exhaustion.
His artistic output includes works such as:
His works are held in collections including the Museum Folkwang and mumok.
Questions & Answers
What moods do Walter Kampmann's artworks express?
The Mood Room of Walter Kampmann is a page that arranges the artist's artworks by mood.
In which historical period did Walter Kampmann work?
Walter Kampmann worked in the Modern period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
How can I follow Walter Kampmann's work year by year?
A timeline of Walter Kampmann's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.
What are the birth city and country of Walter Kampmann?
Walter Kampmann was born in Elberfeld, in Germany.
