Fish Magic (1925 CE)

Fischzauber or Fish Magic (1925), a mesmerizing creation by Paul Klee that captivates viewers with its dreamlike composition of vibrant fish floating in a cosmic, nocturnal space. This artwork, blending visual poetry with profound artistic meaning, invites exploration through its interplay of color, form, and symbolism. It offers a tantalizing glimpse into Klee’s imaginative world, where the ordinary becomes enchanted.

Created in 1925, Fish Magic emerged during Paul Klee’s tenure at the Bauhaus school in Weimar, a hub of modernist innovation. Klee, a Swiss-German artist (1879–1940), was at a creative peak, experimenting with abstraction, expressionism, and surrealism. The painting reflects the cultural milieu of the 1920s, a period marked by post-World War I optimism and looming uncertainty, where artists sought refuge in fantasy and the subconscious. Influenced by his 1914 trip to Tunisia, Klee’s vivid color palette and poetic depiction of nature found full expression in this work. The Bauhaus environment, alongside peers like Wassily Kandinsky, fostered Klee’s exploration of form and color theory.

Several intriguing details surround Fish Magic. Klee, a skilled violinist, likened his paintings to musical compositions, and the rhythmic arrangement of fish in Fish Magic mirrors a polyphonic melody, with forms acting as notes and chords. His technique of scratching paint to reveal underlying colors—described as “painting as archaeology”—created a glowing effect, as if the fish illuminate the dark canvas. A small clock in the composition puzzles viewers; some interpret it as a nod to fleeting time, others as a whimsical touch. The painting’s title, Fischzauber (Fish Magic), evokes enchantment, possibly drawing from alchemical or folkloric traditions where fish symbolize transformation.

Fish Magic holds a pivotal place in modernist art, bridging expressionism, surrealism, and abstraction. Its dreamlike quality aligns with the emerging surrealist movement, reflecting interest in the subconscious, as seen in the theories of Carl Jung. The fish, often archetypal symbols of freedom and the unconscious, invite viewers into a narrative of cosmic exploration. Within the Bauhaus context, the painting exemplifies the fusion of artistic freedom and technical precision, showcasing Klee’s mastery of color contrasts to create harmony. Its open-ended symbolism encourages personal interpretation, a trait Klee championed, stating that art should be experienced, not explained.

Fish Magic is executed in oil and watercolor on canvas, mounted on cardboard, measuring 77 x 98 cm (30.3 x 38.6 inches). Klee’s experimental technique involved layering transparent watercolor and opaque oil, then scratching the surface to create textured patterns, lending a luminous, three-dimensional quality. The dark background, punctuated by vibrant reds, yellows, and blues, evokes a cosmic or aquatic realm. The composition includes geometric shapes, stylized human figures, a clock, and floral elements, all rendered with a childlike yet sophisticated simplicity. This blend of media and meticulous craftsmanship underscores Klee’s innovative approach to capturing movement and depth.

Since its creation, Fish Magic has been recognized as a significant work in Klee’s catalog. Initially exhibited in the 1920s, it faced mixed reviews—some critics dismissed its “childlike” style, while surrealists like André Breton praised its visionary quality. The painting eventually found its permanent home at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, USA, where it remains a celebrated piece in their collection, drawing admirers for its timeless magic.