Transcript for:
Kathy Kitz: Pioneering German Artist

Kathy Kitz a German artist was born in 1867 she is known for her Works in painting print making and sculpture cit's art is famous for its depiction of the hardships faced by the working class particularly in her art Cycles such as the Weavers and the peasant War these Works portray the effects of poverty hunger and War on the lives of ordinary people while her early Works were characterized by realism cit's art is now closely associated with expressionism a movement that emphasized emotional and subjective depiction in recognition of her talent and contributions to the art World Kathy citz became the first woman to be elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts additionally she also received honorary Professor status her achievements shattered gender barriers and paved the way for future female artists to be recognized in the male Domin at Art World Kit's youth Kathy Kitz was born in konigsburg Prussia into a family with strong political and religious values her father Carl Schmidt was a radical Social Democrat while her mother Katrina Schmidt came from a family of Lutheran pastors from a young age citz was exposed to lessons in religion and socialism from her grandfather which greatly influenced her education and artistic development her older brother rad a prominent Economist was also involved in the political movement recognizing her Talent cit's father arranged for her to receive drawing lessons at the age of 12 she then went on to study art at the school for women artists in Berlin under the guidance of Carl stoffer bur it was during this time that she began to focus on subjects associated with the realism movement depicting the lives of working people Sailors and peasants the etchings of Max Clinger also served as a source of inspiration for citz in 1888 over 89 cvit studied painting with lwig herich in Munich however she soon realized that her true strength lay in drawing rather than painting it was during her time in Munich that she met Carl Kitz a medical student and they became engaged in 1890 citz returned to her hometown of kingburg rented her first studio and continued to pict the harsh realities of the working class which would remain a central theme in her work for years to come early career and family life in 1891 citz married Carl Kitz and moved to Berlin where Carl established a medical practice despite her domestic responsibilities as a wife and mother citz continued to pursue her artistic career exhibiting her works at various exhibitions and becoming a member of the Berlin secession during this period cit's art began to gain recognition for its powerful portrayal of human suffering in social injustice her Works often depicted the struggles of women workers and the poor reflecting her own experiences and the turbulent social climate of the time in 194 tragedy struck when Kit's youngest son Peter was killed in World War I this loss had a profound impact on her art leading her to create some of her most emotionally charged and poignant works throughout her career Kit's art served as a powerful tool for social commentary and activism highlighting the plight of the marginalized and advocating for social change later years and Legacy despite the personal and professional challenges she faced citz remained dedicated to her art and continued to create powerful Works throughout her later years her art evolved to Encompass a wider range of subjects including self-portraits Landscapes and sculptures Cit say art and activism gained International recognition and she became the first woman to be elected a member of the Prussian Academy of Arts her work resonated with people from all walks of life inspiring empathy and a call for social justice cit's influence extended Beyond her own artistic output she also served as a teacher and Mentor inspiring and nurturing the talents of younger artists her Legacy lives on through the works of those she influenced as well as through the numerous exhibitions and honors dedicated to her memory Kathy Kitz passed away in 1945 leaving behind a powerful body of work that continues to Captivate and provoke thought to this day in conclusion Kathy citz a German artist born in 1867 left a lasting impact on the art world through her powerful depictions of the hardships faced by the working class cit's Art became synonymous with expressionism capturing the emot emotional and subjective aspects of human experiences her works such as the Weavers and the peasant War portrayed the effects of poverty hunger and War on ordinary lives shedding light on the struggles of marginalized communities citz as achievements shattered gender barriers as she became the first woman to be elected to the Prussian Academy of Arts Paving the way for future female artists despite personal and professional challenges citz remained dedicated to her art using it as a tool for social commentary in activism her Legacy continues to inspire empathy and a call for social justice