Hans Janos Mattis-Teutsch Paintings

Hans Mattis-Teutsch, born Johann Mattis-Teutsch on August 13, 1884, in Brassó, which was then part of Hungary (today Brașov, Romania), was a prolific artist, sculptor, graphic designer, poet, and philosopher. His diverse oeuvre is associated with several art movements, including Expressionism, Constructivism, and Dada. He was also influenced by German Expressionism and the avant-garde groups Der Blaue Reiter and Die Brücke.

Educated in Budapest and Munich, Mattis-Teutsch developed his artistic style through various phases. Initially, he trained as a woodcarver and furniture designer before turning to painting. His early works were influenced by the Jugendstil movement, a German variant of Art Nouveau. After his exposure to the works of Kandinsky and other avant-garde artists, his style evolved significantly.

During the 1910s and 1920s, Mattis-Teutsch became a central figure in the Romanian avant-garde and was active in the Hungarian and German artistic communities as well. His work during this period was characterized by bold colors, dynamic forms, and an abstract style that sought to visualize the inner emotional and spiritual states.

In the interwar period, Mattis-Teutsch aligned himself with the Bauhaus movement and its ideals of integrating art and life through design and craftsmanship. He believed in the social responsibility of the artist and the transformative power of art. His work during this time often featured geometric abstraction and reflected his interest in the synthesis of art and life.

After World War II, Mattis-Teutsch faced political and artistic challenges under the communist regime in Romania. Despite these difficulties, he continued to work, although his later art was subject to the constraints of the state's cultural policies.

Hans Mattis-Teutsch passed away on March 17, 1960, in Brașov, leaving behind a complex legacy that encompassed various styles and movements. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its contribution to the European avant-garde and its vivid portrayal of the artist's inner world.