Karl Otto Götz
- Born:
- February 22, 1914, Aachen, Germany
- Died:
- August 19, 2017, Niederfollbach, Germany
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Painter, Printmaker, Art Theorist, Professor
Early Life and Education
- Studied at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf (Düsseldorf Art Academy) in the 1930s.
- Expelled from the academy due to his association with avant-garde art movements deemed "degenerate" by the Nazi regime.
- Served in the military during World War II.
Career and Major Achievements
- A key figure in the development of German Informel art after World War II.
- Co-founded the artist group "ZERO" with Heinz Mack and Otto Piene in 1957, although he soon distanced himself from the group.
- Professor at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf from 1959 to 1979, where he taught influential artists such as Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, and Gotthard Graubner.
- His work explored spontaneous gestures, abstract forms, and the expressive potential of unconventional materials.
Notable Works
- Paintings characterized by dynamic brushstrokes, splattered paint, and improvisational techniques.
- Prints and drawings exploring similar themes of spontaneity and abstraction.
Legacy and Impact
Karl Otto Götz was a pivotal figure in postwar German art, significantly shaping the development of Informel and influencing a generation of artists. Those seeking information about his life might search for "karl otto gotz biography channel" or other online resources.
Notable Exhibitions
- Documenta 2 (1959)
- Documenta III (1964)
- Numerous solo and group exhibitions in Germany and internationally.