Life and Artistic Practice
Walter Kampmann was a German painter, graphic artist, sculptor, exlibrist, and handicrafter. Born in Elberfeld, Germany, he studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule Elberfeld under Heinrich Phieler and Max Bernuth. During his time there, he served as a teacher for writing and graphics starting in 1913. His career included a period as a soldier in France during the First World War, a time when he created various graphics such as Zum Angriff, Sturmangriff, Einschlagende Granate, Kampf, and Attacke. These works were later confiscated and destroyed by the National Socialists as "degenerate art."
In 1919, he was appointed as a teacher at the Higher Technical School for Textile and Clothing Industry in Berlin, where he led the specialized class for weaving, embroidery, and applied arts. He was a member of the Novembergruppe and the Deutscher Werkbund. In 1932, he co-founded the artists' group Selection alongside Paul Klee, Max Beckmann, Wassily Kandinsky, Oskar Moll, Georg Muche, and Lyonel Feininger.
Later Years and Legacy
Following the Nazi rise to power, Kampmann faced exhibition and work bans due to his membership in the Novembergruppe. He was dismissed from his teaching position in 1937 and moved to Rangsdorf, seeking refuge in "inner emigration" to focus on his graphic and plastic works. In 1936, he was interned in a "Künstlerumschulungslager" in Hohenlychen. During the war, he was drafted into the Luftwaffe in 1945. After being captured by the English in Hamburg, he returned to Rangsdorf. He passed away in Berlin due to heart failure caused by exhaustion.
His artistic output includes works such as:
His works are held in collections including the Museum Folkwang and mumok.
Questions & Answers
In which movements did Walter Kampmann work?
The All Movements page groups Walter Kampmann's artworks by art movement.
Where can I see all artworks by Walter Kampmann?
Every work by Walter Kampmann on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.
How do I find all works by Walter Kampmann in a given medium?
The All Medium page groups Walter Kampmann's artworks by technique.
Can I sort Walter Kampmann's artworks by color?
Walter Kampmann's works can be explored by color on the artist's Spectral Index page.
