Willi Baumeister Karl Hofer

The two painters Willi Baumeister and Karl Hofer are major opponents in the controversy on abstract and ­representational art which caused a major stir in the ­fifties’ cold war Germany. The making of their seemingly contrary views into absolutes characterised the German arts scene for decades. For the first time, the book will look at similarities and common aspects in the two artists who were nearly the same age. It will afford the visitor a reassessment of the still influential debate on artistic forms of expression.