Paul Klee
Switzerland
Oriental Bliss
1938
Oil on canvas
50 x 66 cm

Paul Klee Oriental Bliss

© Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi / Photo: APF

Paul Klee is a German-Swiss artist whose work reflect his personal experiences, moods, and humor combined with abstract graphic signs.

In this artwork, Klee was inspired by Arabic and Chinese sacred texts. He experimented with pictograms and bright colours to capture a memorable visit to Tunisia.

The grid of coloured squares and rectangles resembles a carpet or a mosaic pattern. He introduces symbols drawn with black lines forming figures inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Let’s look closely at the shapes and colours in this painting.

Imagine the moment that inspired him to capture this memory as an artist.

What do you think the shapes and colours used meant to him?

Now, think about colours and shapes that you would use to capture your favourite visit?

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