Machine in a Void: World War I & the Graphic Arts

Exhibition

Exhibition Overview

Machine in a Void: World War I & the Graphic Arts
Machine in a Void: World War I & the Graphic Arts
Stephen Goddard, curator
March 4, 2010–May 30, 2010
Kress Gallery, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

Several years in the making, the Spencer-organized Machine in a Void will present nearly 150 works of graphic art made during the years of the First World War (1914-1918), with a post-script on the art of the decade following the war. By invoking the perspective of primarily European artists, the exhibition will bring attention to the substantial roles played by the graphic arts during WWI (1914-1918) as a tool for official propaganda and as means of voicing individual responses to the war ranging from documentation to dissent.

Machine in a Void is made possible by the generous support of the Breidenthal-Snyder Foundation.

The genesis of the exhibition stems from the Spencer’s acquisition of a rare and extensive treatment of the war by Belgian artist Henry de Groux in the form of nearly 50 etchings. These proofs and trial prints were preparatory to a portfolio, Le Visage de la Victoire (The Face of Victory). In his introduction to the printed series, de Groux wrote of the war as an “undeniable and colossal absurdity, like a machine functioning in a void,” an “opulent excess of perfect horror.” The Spencer’s exhibition derives its title from de Groux’s evocative expression. The central goal of the exhibition is to identify and give voice to those artists who, through their work during and shortly after WWI, renounced specific national concerns to articulate a more transcendent vision. These uncommon voices will be exhibited along with mainstream nationalistic and propagandistic works.

The exhibition will be largely drawn from the permanent collection of the Spencer Museum of Art, and will include material that may provoke discussions of the rise of ironic and ambivalent attitudes toward war, the defenselessness of innocents in the face of modern war machines, the use of the graphic arts to promote official government attitudes, and the role of mechanized warfare within the dystopian idea of the Machine Age. The Spencer's collections are rich in works from France, Belgium and Germany and the exhibited artists include Otto Dix, Kerr Eby, George Grosz, Jules de Bruycker, Henry de Groux, André Devambez, Erich Heckel, Henri Ibels, Jean-Emile Laboureur, Karl Maes, Maxime Maufra, Ludwig Meidner, Robert Michel, Johannes Molzahn, Karl Schmidt-Rotluff, Georg Scholz, Max Slevogt, Edmond van Dooren, and, Jean Veber.

Stephen Goddard, senior curator of prints & drawings, is organizing the exhibition following a sabbatical spent primarily in Germany and a fellowship at the Wolfsonian-Florida International University-one of the world’s great repositories for WWI-era material culture. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Spencer will offer programming that involves the campus and the community, including curricular initiatives at KU, a film/book series, children’s art classes, and social networking. A catalogue is planned.

Exhibition images

Works of art

Pour la liberté de Monde...souscrivez à l'Emprunt National à la Banque National Crédit (For the freedom of the world...Subscribe to the National Loan at the National Credit Bank), SEM (Georges Goursat) (1863–1934); Devambez Printers
SEM (Georges Goursat) (1863–1934); Devambez Printers
Journée de l'Armée d'Afrique et des Troupes Coloniales (African Army and Colonial Troops Day), Lucien Jonas (1880–1947); Devambez Printers
Lucien Jonas (1880–1947); Devambez Printers
Journée serbe, 25 Juin 1916 (Serbia Day, June 25 1916), Pierre Mourgue
Pierre Mourgue
The American Ambulance in Russia, World War I, A. Maksimov (active 1914–1929?)
A. Maksimov (active 1914–1929?)
The American Ambulance in Russia, World War I, 1916 (poster), 1918 (English texts added)
Le Cardinal Mercier Protège Belgique (Cardinal Mercier Protecting Belgium), Charles Dominique Fouqueray (1869 or 1872–1956)
Charles Dominique Fouqueray (1869 or 1872–1956)
Journée Du Poilu--Organiseé Par Le Parlement (Day of the Infantryman--Organized by Parliament), Francisque Poulbot (1879–1946)
Francisque Poulbot (1879–1946)
Self-portrait, Albert Bloch (1882–1961)
Albert Bloch (1882–1961)
Gefangen (Prisoners of War), George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
self-portraits, Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Self-portrait, Max Beckmann (1884–1950)
Max Beckmann (1884–1950)
untitled (self-portrait), Lovis Corinth (1858–1925)
Lovis Corinth (1858–1925)
Composition, Johannes Itten (1888–1967)
Johannes Itten (1888–1967)
Composition, 1917
Figure Facing Left, Oskar Schlemmer (1888–1943)
Oskar Schlemmer (1888–1943)
Reitschule (Riding School), Franz Marc (1880–1916)
Franz Marc (1880–1916)
Harvey Muenzenmayer, Fort Riley, Jon Blumb (born 1956); Joseph Judd Pennell (1866–1922)
Jon Blumb (born 1956); Joseph Judd Pennell (1866–1922)
untitled, László Moholy-Nagy (1894–1946)
László Moholy-Nagy (1894–1946)
untitled, 1921
Posten (Sentry), El Lissitzky (1890–1941)
El Lissitzky (1890–1941)
Kleine Welten VI (Small Worlds VI), Vassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)
Vassily Kandinsky (1866–1944)
Ieperen de Slechte Maere (Ypres--the Grim Reaper), Jules de Bruycker (1870–1945)
Jules de Bruycker (1870–1945)
MEZ (Mitteleuropaische Zeit) No. 2 [CET (Central European Time) No. 2], Robert Michel (1897–1983)
Robert Michel (1897–1983)
Disarmament, Daniel Chester French (1850–1931)
Daniel Chester French (1850–1931)
Disarmament, 1918
The Tube Staircase, Cyril Edward Power (1872–1951)
Cyril Edward Power (1872–1951)
Kopf (Self-portrait), Max Kaus (1891–1977)
Max Kaus (1891–1977)
Portrait of György Bàlint, Miklós Farkasházy (1895–1964)
Miklós Farkasházy (1895–1964)
Klingen (Sound), Johannes Molzahn (1892–1965)
Johannes Molzahn (1892–1965)
Nelly I, Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Nelly I, 1923–1924
September 13, 1918, St. Mihiel, Kerr Eby (1889–1946)
Kerr Eby (1889–1946)
untitled (In the trenches), Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Otto Dix (1891–1969)
untitled (flooded craters), Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Stage set
Stage set, circa 1918–1920s
Sonderblatt der Ausgabe A: Kopf Palmströms (Palmström's head), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 1: Bildhauerisches (Sculptural), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 2: Der Werwolf (The Werewolf), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 3: Der Traum der Magd (The Maid), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 4: Himmel und Erde (Heaven and Earth), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 5: Die unmögliche Tatsache (The Unlikely Fact), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 6: Die Mausefalle (The Mousetrap), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 7: Das Gebet (The Prayer), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 8: Die Kugeln (crumpled-paper balls), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 9: Der Wasseresel (The Seahorse), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Blatt 10: Sophie, die Henkersmagd (Sophie, the Executioner's Mate), Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
Hans Windisch (1891–1965)
La Fête-Dieu à Paris (Corpus Christi in Paris), Jean Louis Forain (1852–1931)
Jean Louis Forain (1852–1931)
Trauernde am Strand (Mourners on a Beach), Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884–1976)
Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884–1976)
The Illustration of the Great European War No. 15, Tanaka Ryōzō; Shōbidō
Tanaka Ryōzō; Shōbidō
The Illustration of the Great European War No. 15, 1914, Taisho period (1912–1926)
Laissons la d’abord donner a boire, nous la tuerons après (Let Her First Give Him a Drink, We Will Kill Her Afterward), Francisque Poulbot (1879–1946)
Francisque Poulbot (1879–1946)
Le Débuché (The Release), Jean Veber (1864–1928)
Jean Veber (1864–1928)
La Brute est lâchée (The Brute is Let Loose), Jean Veber (1864–1928)
Jean Veber (1864–1928)
Marmites-pots des fleurs-pruneaux…etc. (Pots, Flowerpots, Plums, etc.), Jean Veber (1864–1928)
Jean Veber (1864–1928)
Le Petit Poucet (Hop O'My Thumb), C. Cousin
C. Cousin
le concert au front (The Concert at the Front), Lucien Laforge
Lucien Laforge
l’espion (The Spy), Lucien Laforge
Lucien Laforge
l’espion (The Spy), 1914–1918
le cuistot (The Cook), Lucien Laforge
Lucien Laforge
le cuistot (The Cook), 1914–1918
L’Insomnie du Kaiser (The Kaiser's Insomnia), Henri Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936)
Henri Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936)
L’antechrist perda sa couronne et mourra dans la solitude et la démence (The Antichrist Will Lose His Crown and Will Die in Loneliness and Insanity), Henri Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936)
Henri Gabriel Ibels (1867–1936)
Le Coup de Massue du l’un (One Knock-down Blow), Félix Jules Lacaille
Félix Jules Lacaille
Le Kaiser Prend Le Commandement Des Armées Austro-Hongroises & Allemandes (The Kaiser Takes Command of the Austro-Hungarian and German Armies), Emile Causé (1867–?)
Emile Causé (1867–?)
Le Condomné (The Condemned), Joseph Sirat (1869–1936)
Joseph Sirat (1869–1936)
Kultur (Culture), K. Wagner
K. Wagner
Soldats masques (Masked Soldiers), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Les réserves (The Reserves), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
DADA 4-5: Anthologie Dada, Tristan Tzara (1896–1963)
Tristan Tzara (1896–1963)
Flüchtlinge aus Stallupönen (Refugees from Stallupönen), Richard von Below (1879–1925)
Richard von Below (1879–1925)
untitled, Karl Maes (1900–1974)
Karl Maes (1900–1974)
untitled, 1922
Un schrapnell (Schrapnell), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
Le bouclier (The Shield), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
L'espionne (The Spy), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
L'espionne (The Spy), 1915–1917
La pluie (The Rain), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
La pluie (The Rain), 1915–1917
Le froid (The Cold), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
Le froid (The Cold), 1915–1917
Les otages (The Hostages), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
Les trous d'obus (Shell Holes), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
Gare la marmite! (Watch Out for the Big Shell!), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
Le charbon (Coal), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
Le charbon (Coal), 1915–1917
L'incendie (Fire), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
L'incendie (Fire), 1915–1917
Le fou (The Crazed Man), André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
title page, André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
André Edouard Devambez (1867–1944)
title page, 1915–1917
Explosion, Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Otto Dix (1891–1969)
Explosion, 1918
Der Seiltänzer (Tightrope Walker), Paul Klee (1879–1940)
Paul Klee (1879–1940)
Meduse (Medusa), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
L'Eclipse (The Eclipse), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le Chanteur des couers (The Singer of Hearts), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Les Drapeaux (The Flags), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le Guetteur (The Sentry), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Aveugles (The Blind), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Aveugles (The Blind), 1914–1916
Les Voyants (The Seeing), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Lux perpetua luceat eis (Let Perpetual Light Shine upon Them), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Nullo odore cum Deis prodigae, Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
La Comète de la Guerre (21 Janvier 1913) [The Comet of War (21 January 1913)], Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
La Comète de la Guerre (The Comet of War), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Meduse, Esssai (Medusa, trial proof), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Avant l’inhumation (ou l’incineration) - Allemands Morts (Before the Burial (or The Incineration) - Dead Germans), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Prisonniers fossoyeurs (Prisoner Gravediggers), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Chevaliers errants (Knights Errant), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Lacrymogène (Teargas), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
untitled (L’Aube) (untitled [The Dawn]), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Soud l’oeil divin (Beneath the Divine Eye), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Tranchée muette (Mute Trench), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le retour au foyer (The Return Home), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le mauvais image (The Evil Semblance), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Batteries detruites (Destroyed Batteries), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le souffre-douleur ennemi (The Enemy Scapegoat), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Combat à la grenade - ou “le concours des crapeaux” (Fight for the Grenade - or “The Beggars Brawl”), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le Petroleur (The Flamethrower), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Lacrymogène (Tear Gas), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Indoux aux tranchées (Hindus in the Trenches), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
L’e[n]jeu du stratege (The Wager of Strategy), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le soleil des morts (The Sun of the Dead), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Veillée de Captifs (Captives' Vigil), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
untitled, Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
untitled, 1914–1916
Le Veilleur (The Sentry), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Le Guetteur (The Sentry), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
L’ancètre (The Ancestor), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Lanceur de granade (Grenade Thrower), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Tranchée conquise (Conquered Trench), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Lanceur de granade (The Grenade Thrower), Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
Henry de Groux (1867–1930)
untitled (puppet maker and the heads of Europe), Urlich or Kukke?
Urlich or Kukke?
Mann in der Ebene (Man on a Plain), Erich Heckel (1883–1970)
Erich Heckel (1883–1970)
Friedrichstrasse, George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
Hinrichtung (Summary Execution), Georg Scholz (1890–1945)
Georg Scholz (1890–1945)
Types de l'Armée Américaine en France (Types of the American Army in France), Jean-Émile Laboureur (1877–1943)
Jean-Émile Laboureur (1877–1943)
Aus einem neuzeitlichen Totentanz (From a Modern Dance of Death), Ernst Barlach (1870–1938)
Ernst Barlach (1870–1938)
Wem Zeit wie Ewigkeit und Ewigkeit wie Zeit, der ist befreit von allem Leid (If Time Was Like Eternity and Eternity Like Time, There Would Be Freedom From All Suffering), Ernst Barlach (1870–1938)
Ernst Barlach (1870–1938)
Schlachtfeld (Battleground), Willy Jaeckel (1888–1944)
Willy Jaeckel (1888–1944)
Symbole der Zeit IX (Trommler) (Symbols of the Time IX (Drummer)), Max Slevogt (1868–1932)
Max Slevogt (1868–1932)
Schwejk: “melde gehorsamst, daß ich blöd bin” (Schwejk:"Beg to report, I’m an idiot"), George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
Volkes Stimme (The Voice of the People), George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
Bitte recht freundlich (Please look friendly), George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
Maul halten und weiter dienen (Shut Up and Do Your Duty), George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
Mir ist der Krieg wie eine Badekur bekommen (The War Did Me a Lot of Good, Like a Spa), George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
Bald wieder: "je grausamer, je humaner." (Soon Again: "the More Cruel, the More Human"), George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
cover wrapper, George Grosz (1893–1959)
George Grosz (1893–1959)
Carnet d’un permissionnaire (Notebook of a Soldier on Leave), Guy Arnoux (1886–1951); Roger Boutet de Monvel
Guy Arnoux (1886–1951); Roger Boutet de Monvel
Improvisatie (Improvisation), Edmond van Dooren
Edmond van Dooren
Le Zeppelin (The Zeppelin), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Les feux de nuit / dunes de Nieuport (Night Fires / Nieuport Dunes), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Le cimitière des fusillés-marins à Nieuport (Marine Cemetery at Nieuport), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Après le bombardement (After the Bombardment), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Dans la niege (In the Snow), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Poste avancé sur l'Yser (Outpost on the Yser), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Torpillage du trois-mâts (Torpedoing of the Three-master), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
La route des Flandres (The Road to Flanders), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
L'usine détruite - Nieuport (Ruined Factory, Nieuport), Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Maxime Maufra (1861–1918)
Waldruine (Klein-Arnsburg) [Forest Ruins (Klein-Arnsburg)], Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Waldtalbrücke (Forest Viaduct), Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Herbststurm (Autumn Storm), Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Ruine Lützelhardt (Lützelhardt Ruins), Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Ruine Wasigenstein (Wasigenstein Ruins), Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Ruine Schönek (Schönek Ruins), Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Franz Hein (1863–1927)
Gestalt Mit Tod (Figure with Death), Georg Scholz (1890–1945)
Georg Scholz (1890–1945)
title page, Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
title page, 1915
Lecture de la carte (couverture) [Reading of the chart (cover)], Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
On Ne Passe Pas!, 1914-1918 (They Shall Not Pass! 1914-1918), Maurice Neumont (1868–1930)
Maurice Neumont (1868–1930)
portfolio cover, Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Kultur au Printemps (Kultur in Spring), Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Kultur en Éte (Kultur in Summer), Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Kultur en Automne (Kultur in Autumn), Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Kultur en Hiver (Kultur in Winter), Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Kulture au Printemps (Kultur in Spring), Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Hermann-Paul (1864–1940)
Avion de chasse Nieuport (titre) [Nieuport Fighter Plane (title)], Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Mécanos portant un moteur rotatif (Mechanics Carrying a Rotary Engine), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Bombardier et mitrailleur (Bomber and Machine Gunner), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Le départ, Avion SPAD (The Departure, SPAD Plane), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
La traverse des lignes (Caught in the Crosshairs), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Le combat bi-moteur G.4 et Albatros (Twin-engine G.4 and Albatross Fight), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Monoplan M.S attaquant un LVG [Monoplane Morane-Saulnier (M.S.) attacking a Luftverkehrsgesellschaft (LVG)], Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Flotte de Zeppelins attaquant l’Angleterre, 1916 (Fleet of Zeppelins Attacking England, 1916), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Combat d’hydravions et de Zeppelins, mer du Nord, 1916 (Seaplanes and Zeppelins in Combat, North Sea, 1916), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
L’escadrille qui passe tranchées de Verdun, 1916 (The Flotilla Over the Trenches of Verdun, 1916), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Le fin d’un Taube, bombardements de Paris, 1915 (A Taube’s End, Bombardments of Paris, 1915), Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Maurice Busset (1879–1936)
Plate 1: le militarisme (Militarism), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 2: la propiété (Property), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 3: la philanthropie (Philanthropy), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 4: la social-démocratie (Social Democracy), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 5: la justice (Justice), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 6: la colonization (Colonization), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 7:le fascisme (Fascism), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 8:le mouchardage (Police Spy), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 9: le parlementarisme (Parliamentary Government), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 10: l’esprit moyen (Average Mind), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 11: la religion (Religion), Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Plate 12: la chauvinisme, Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Fred Deltor (1899–1969); Les Éditions Socialistes
Zeit-Echo. Ein Kriegs-Tagebuch der Künstler (Time-Echo. An Artists' War Diary), Otto Haas-Heye (1879–1959)
Otto Haas-Heye (1879–1959)
An Alle Künstler! (To All Artists!), Max Pechstein (1881–1955)
Max Pechstein (1881–1955)
untitled, Wenzel Hablik (1881–1934)
Wenzel Hablik (1881–1934)
untitled, 1909
Da wohnten Menschen auf Kristall'nen Bäumen (There people lived in crystal trees), Wenzel Hablik (1881–1934)
Wenzel Hablik (1881–1934)
no 1, Guillaume II (Kaiser Wilhelm II)
no. 2, Francois-Joseph (Emperor Franz Josef)
no. 4, Von Moltke (General Helmuth von Moltke)
no. 5, Von Kluck (General Alexander Von Kluck)
Semez du blé. C'est de l'or pour la France (Sow corn. It means gold for France), Susanne Herrand (circa 1905–?)
Susanne Herrand (circa 1905–?)
Prêez vos billets de banquet a la Franc. Prene des bons de la defense nationale (Lend your bank-notes to France. Buy national defense bonds), Andrée Ménard (circa 1905–?)
Andrée Ménard (circa 1905–?)
Epiphany, Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs (1876–1938)
Frederick Landseer Maur Griggs (1876–1938)
Epiphany, 1918–1919
Septemberschrei. Hymnen / Gebete / Lästerungen. Mit vierzehn Steindrucken (September-scream. Hymns / Prayers / Calumnies. With Fourteen Lithographs), Ludwig Meidner (1884–1966)
Ludwig Meidner (1884–1966)
Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 1, Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 2, Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 3, Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 4, Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 5, Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 6, Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Het Toppunt der Beschaving (The Summit of Civilization), number 7, Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Louis Raemaekers (1869–1956)
Gisteren Nog Misdaad ...Heden? (Yesterday's Crime ...Today?), Frans Masereel (1889–1972); Servire
Frans Masereel (1889–1972); Servire
War Engine, William Wadsworth (1889–1949)
William Wadsworth (1889–1949)
War Engine, 1915
Die Kriegsmaschine des Vierverbandes / Irgendwo muß eine Schraube los sein. (The war machine of the Quadruple Alliance / There must be a screw loose), Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956)
Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956)
Maibild (May Picture), Erich Schilling (1885–1944)
Erich Schilling (1885–1944)
Franktireurs. Aus der Mappe "Memento 1914/1915" (Geurilla Fighters. From the portfolio "Memento 1914/1915"), Willy Jaeckel (1888–1944)
Willy Jaeckel (1888–1944)
British Tank. Ypres - Poelcappelle Road (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Road between Ypres and Poelcappelle, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
What was once / Poelcappelle, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Cloth Hall, Ypres (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
German Tank, captured by 112th Inf. Bouillonville Meurthe et Morelles, Oct. 29, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Foret d'Argonne. Nov. 17, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Officers directing fire region of Fismes, Aug. 29, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Balloon Windlass 16th Balloon Co. 28th Div. Limey, meurth et Morelle / Oct. 25, 1918, unknown maker
unknown maker
112th Field Hospital 28th Div. Cohan /Aug. 14, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Battery c 2nd Battalion 55th Coast Artillery / 28th Div., Region of Fismes (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Boureuilles, Sept. 28, 1918 (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Church at Oostniewkerke, Belgium (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
same as 24935 (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
Road between Disselghem and Waereghem (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker
[...]These men are using gas equipment while receiving instructions from observer. Batt. A 108th Field Artillery (U.S. Signal Corps), unknown maker
unknown maker

Events

March 4, 2010
Social
Spring @ the Spencer
5:30–7:00PM
Gallery 317 Central Court
March 11, 2010
Talk
One of Ours by Willa Cather
6:00–7:00PM
Gallery 407
March 11, 2010
Screening
A Very Long Engagement
7:00–9:00PM
309 Auditorium
March 25, 2010
Talk
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
6:00–7:00PM
Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St
March 25, 2010
Screening
All Quiet on the Western Front
7:00–9:00PM
Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St
March 26, 2010
Talk
The Long Shadow of the “Great War”
10:00–11:30AM
Gallery 407
March 29, 2010
Talk
Machine in a Void: World War I and the Graphic Arts
2:00–4:00PM
Gallery 407
April 8, 2010
Talk
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
6:00–7:00PM
Gallery 407
April 8, 2010
Screening
The Sun Also Rises
7:00–9:00PM
309 Auditorium
April 10, 2010
Workshop
War of the Worlds: Pencil V. Print
10:30AM–12:30PM
Gallery 317 Central Court
April 10, 2010
Workshop
War of the Worlds: Pencil V. Print
1:30–3:30PM
Gallery 317 Central Court
April 22, 2010
Talk
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
6:00–7:00PM
Gallery 401
April 22, 2010
Screening
Mrs. Dalloway
7:00–9:00PM
309 Auditorium
May 1, 2010
Activity
Spring Arts & Culture Festival
1:00–4:00PM
Front Lawn, Gallery 317 Central Court
May 13, 2010
Talk
Senior Curator Steve Goddard on Machine in a Void: World War I & the Graphic Arts
12:00–1:00PM
Gallery 404

Resources

Audio

Didactic – Art Minute
Didactic – Art Minute
Episode 211 Mar-2010, Rachel Voorhies, Department of Prints and Drawings Intern I’m David Cateforis with another Art Minute from the Spencer Museum of Art. The exhibition Machine in a Void: World War I and the Graphic Arts presents nearly 200 works of graphic art created primarily during World War I or shortly after. Many of the artists featured were themselves soldiers, and their personal experiences of the war informed their work. The images they produced range from the documentary to the dissenting. Exemplary of the former are French artist Maxime Maufra’s lithographs of war-blasted landscapes, and exemplary of the latter, German artist George Grosz’s portfolio of satirical anti-war prints. At the heart of the exhibition are 38 etchings by Belgian artist Henri de Groux, made as proofs and trial prints in preparation for the portfolio Le Visage de la Victoire, or The Face of Victory. In his introduction to this portfolio, de Groux wrote that the war was an “undeniable and colossal absurdity, like a machine functioning in a void.” Machine in a Void is on view until May 23 in the Kress and South Balcony Galleries. With thanks to Rachel Voorhies for her text, from the Spencer Museum of Art, I’m David Cateforis.

Documents

Media Release
Media Release
Media Release
Exhibition Pamphlet