Kokoschka, << koh KAWSH kuh, >> Oskar (1886-1980), was an Austrian painter associated with the expressionist movement. Kokoschka painted his best-known pictures in a restless, energetic style that reflects a feeling of anxiety and agitation. He used broad brushstrokes and light colors.
Kokoschka was born on March 1, 1886, in Pochlarn, near Sankt Polten. His first paintings were psychological portraits of friends and prominent individuals that skillfully capture the inner nature of the subject. About 1914 he became more interested in large symbolic paintings. Kokoschka traveled through Europe from 1924 to 1931, painting dramatic views of major cities, usually from an elevated viewpoint. He lived in Vienna from 1931 to 1934 when he was forced to flee because of his criticism of the Nazi Party in Austria. From 1938 to 1948 he lived in London, where he painted many historical and mythological subjects as well as landscapes. Kokoschka lived primarily in Switzerland from 1948 until his death. He died on Feb. 22, 1980.
