Hymn to Fertility: Paul Klee & the Well-Gardened Painting

An accessible hour-long talk by Dr Niccola Shearman on how expressionist Paul Klee embraced nature in his paintings, attendable in person or online.

Dr Niccola Shearman introduces how Swiss-German expressionist Paul Klee drew parallels between the creative process and the natural forces governing plant growth. Rather than making from-life nature studies, Klee used visual botanical metaphors to explore the physical, metaphysical and even healing qualities of nature, in works such as 'Flowering' and 'Hymn to Fertility'. The talk also situates Klee within Der Blaue Reiter alongside Kandinsky and Macke, and touches on his foundational writings on colour theory, form and process. No prior knowledge is needed; the talk lasts an hour and can be attended at the Museum or streamed online, with a recording available for a month.