George Grosz

George Grosz (1893-1959) was a pivotal German artist, most celebrated for his incisive satires of Weimar-era society. Born in Berlin, he matured in a politically tumultuous environment, which profoundly shaped his artistic vision. Initially influenced by Expressionism, Grosz later became instrumental in the Berlin Dada movement, employing its subversive energy to critique societal decay post-WWI. With the rise of the New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) movement, his art evolved, presenting unvarnished, often unsettling depictions of urban life. As the Nazis rose to power, Grosz's openly anti-fascist stance endangered him, prompting his emigration to the U.S. in 1933. There, his influence continued to grow, cementing his legacy as a profound commentator on the socio-political landscapes of his times.