Otto Dix

Otto Dix's style is brutally realistic and unflinchingly critical, falling squarely into the New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) movement.

Key characteristics and themes:

• Harsh realism: Dix depicted war's horrors, societal decay, and moral corruption with unforgiving detail.
• Grotesque figures: Distorted bodies and faces emphasized the dehumanizing effects of war and greed.
• Social criticism: He satirized the bourgeoisie, exposed the trauma of veterans, and critiqued political instability.
• Technical mastery: Dix employed meticulous techniques reminiscent of the Old Masters, creating unsettling contrasts between beauty and ugliness.
• Somber Palette: Dark tones create a bleak and oppressive atmosphere.

Mnemonic: Dix's work is Devastating, Dark, and Direct, often Depicting the Disgusting realities of his time.