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Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner

1915 - 1990

Quick Facts

  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Lifespan: 75 years
  • Art period: Modern
  • Top-ranked work: Sem título
  • Died: 1990
  • Also known as: Mathias Goeritz

Early Life and Education

  • Born: April 4, 1915, Danzig, Germany (now Gdańsk, Poland)
  • Died: August 4, 1990, Mexico City
  • Origin: German-Mexican
  • Early life was spent in Berlin after his birth in Danzig.
  • Studied philosophy and art history at Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität (Humboldt University of Berlin) from 1934.
  • Received a doctorate in art history in 1940 with a dissertation on Ferdinand von Rayski.
  • Trained as an artist at the Kunstgewerbe- und Handwerkerschule in Berlin-Charlottenberg, studying drawing with Max Kaus and Hans Orlowski.

Career Development and Artistic Style

  • Worked at Berlin's Nationalgalerie (Alte Nationalgalerie) under Paul Ortwin Rave.
  • Left Germany in 1941, settling initially in Tetuan, Morocco.
  • Married photographer Marianne Gast in 1942 and settled in Granada, Spain.
  • First solo exhibition held in Madrid in 1946.
  • Immigrated to Mexico in 1949.
  • Collaborated with architect Luis Barragán on monumental abstract sculptures in reinforced concrete (e.g., *El Animal del Pedregal*, *Torres de la Ciudad Satélite*).
  • Artistic style influenced by Expressionism, emphasizing subjective experience and emotional impact through distorted forms.

Notable Works and Contributions

  • Sculptures: El Eco (Experimental Museum, Mexico City), *Los Amantes* (Hotel Presidente, Acapulco), *La Mano Divina*, *La Mano Codiciosa* (reliefs in the Iglesia de San Lorenzo, Mexico City).
  • Developed the concept of "Emotional Architecture," emphasizing emotional and spiritual aspects in building design.
  • His work visually and conceptually influenced contemporary architects.

Recognition and Legacy

  • Received the Pritzker Prize in 1980, a significant recognition for his contributions to architecture.
  • Goeritz's legacy extends beyond individual artworks; he significantly impacted architectural theory and practice through Emotional Architecture.
  • His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its innovative blend of art, architecture, and emotional expression.

Further Information

Questions & Answers

Where can I see Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner's artworks arranged by atmosphere?

The artist's Mood Room page shows Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.

Can I explore Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner's works by color spectrum?

The Spectral Index of Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner is a page that organizes the artist's artworks by their colors.

How many artworks by Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner are available to browse?

You can browse 2 artworks by Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner on the All Artworks page.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In what city was Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner born?
Question 2:
What subject did Goeritz initially study at the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität?
Question 3:
Which renowned architect did Goeritz collaborate with on monumental concrete sculptures in Mexico?
Question 4:
What artistic movement significantly influenced Goeritz's work?