what was one type of art that was censored in nazi germany? the role of art in promoting national identity during the Nazi era

In Nazi Germany, the government’s strict control over cultural and artistic expression was a crucial aspect of their campaign to establish an Aryan utopia. The Nazis viewed art as a means to propagate their ideology and promote a sense of national identity, which they believed was under threat from what they perceived as decadent and un-German influences. One type of art that was censored in Nazi Germany was modernist and abstract art, which was seen as morally corrupt and anti-German.

Modernism and Abstract Art as Threats

Modernist and abstract artists such as Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee were particularly targeted by the Nazis. Their works were considered to be a manifestation of decadence and a rejection of traditional German values. Kandinsky, for instance, was dismissed as a “degenerate artist” due to his use of color and form in his paintings, which he saw as expressions of the subconscious and the irrational.

The Nazis also banned modernist literature and music, which they deemed to be “degenerate,” and sought to replace it with more “Aryan” forms of expression. This censorship extended to film, theater, and other forms of visual arts, all of which were deemed to be either too modern or too foreign.

The Role of Art in National Identity

Art played a significant role in shaping national identity during the Nazi era. The regime sought to create a unified image of German culture that celebrated its supposed purity and strength. This included promoting traditional German art forms such as folk art, architecture, and literature, while suppressing anything that was deemed to be “degenerate.”

One of the key ways in which art was used to promote national identity was through exhibitions and events organized by the Nazi government. These events often featured works that were considered to be “degenerate” or “un-German,” and were designed to shock and outrage the public. For example, the 1937 “Degenerate Art Exhibition” in Munich displayed over 650 works of art that had been deemed unacceptable by the Nazis, including those by Kandinsky, Picasso, and Matisse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, modernist and abstract art was just one of many types of art that were censored in Nazi Germany. The regime’s strict control over cultural and artistic expression was a crucial part of their broader campaign to establish a unified and pure German identity. By banning works that they deemed to be “degenerate,” the Nazis sought to create a new vision of German culture that would serve their political and ideological goals.