The Provocative Avant-Garde: Gerhard Rühm and the Wiener Gruppe
Gerhard Rühm, a refined intellectual and admirer of atonal composer Arnold Schönberg, was not averse to delving into the realm of vulgarity and obscenity. His 1958 collaboration with Konrad Bayer, "scheissen und brunzen sind kunsten" (defecating and pissing are art), written in consistent lowercase, became a manifesto of sorts for the Wiener Gruppe, a collective of avant-garde artists he co-founded.
Challenging Conventions
"We wanted to provoke," Rühm recalls, "and make a counterpoint to the staunchly conservative post-war climate." Their goal was achieved with resounding success. The group’s writings, oscillating between vulgarity and abstraction, and their extravagant happenings, generated widespread attention and elicited a chorus of scorn and disapproval.
Artistic Rebellion in the Face of Conformity
The press launched a barrage of attacks against these unabashed avant-gardists, who dared to challenge the prevailing spirit of restoration. Critics denounced their art as a harbinger of Western civilization’s decline. Yet, amidst the uproar, the Wiener Gruppe remained steadfast in their mission to dismantle the oppressive artistic norms of the time.
Defying Boundaries and Exploring New Forms
Rühm’s background in the cerebral realm of atonal music had a profound impact on his literary pursuits. Schönberg’s revolutionary approach to composition, breaking free from traditional tonal hierarchies, provided an inspiration to experiment with language in a similar vein.
Concrete Poetry
Concrete poetry, a form championed by Rühm, involves the manipulation of visual elements—typography, layout, and even the physical form of the text—to create meaning and provoke a visceral response. In "scheissen und brunzen sind kunsten," the crude language is juxtaposed with sophisticated experimentation in structure and presentation, creating a deliberately jarring effect.
Happenings and Performance Art
The Wiener Gruppe’s provocations extended beyond the written word. Their staged events, known as "happenings," were designed to challenge traditional notions of art and performance. These often chaotic and unpredictable spectacles incorporated elements of theater, music, and visual arts, blurring the boundaries between art and life.
Collaboration and Shared Vision
The Wiener Gruppe was a collaborative endeavor, with Rühm and Bayer working in tandem to produce groundbreaking and controversial works. Their shared vision, guided by a deep understanding of art history and a fearless desire to push boundaries, fueled their creative output.
A Lasting Impact on the Art World
The Wiener Gruppe’s brief but influential existence left an enduring mark on the art world. Their bold experimentation and willingness to confront established norms paved the way for subsequent avant-garde movements and continue to inspire contemporary artists to this day.
Gerhard Rühm, a central figure in this provocative artistic collective, stands as a testament to the transformative power of challenging conventions and embracing the unexpected in the pursuit of artistic expression.
