Dancing Girl

In Dancing Girl, Klee experimented with unusual media and techniques to create awe-inspiring multi-dimensional effects.

The rise of the Nazi regime had a devastating impact on Paul Klee’s life as he had to flee to Switzerland, denting his artistic output. However, in 1940, he rekindled his career as an art painter and produced many paintings. One of the paintings was Dancing Girl.

At first glance, the image looks simple: a representation of a girl dancing in the rain using simple lines. The hands, legs, body and the face are made of random lines on the canvas.

However, a closer look will reveal that the artist is trying to communicate a lot of information to his audience. The implication here is that one can accomplish much using simple lines, shapes, and colours. To be an artist, one does not need to be too complicated or learn unnecessarily onerous requirements. This painting proves that anyone can be an artist.

Although Dancing Girl is a mere picture, it gets the observers to engage with Klee more closely. It appears Klee has a special place is his heart for young ladies.

The dancing girl is an outward expression of the artist’s feelings and attitude towards women in general. Moreover, the timing of the painting is telling. During the early and mid-90s, society relegated women to subordinate roles that don't require any visibility. Klee attempts to correct this gender-based injustice by painting a young girl dancing in the rain.

There are aspects of the natural environment in this picture. The lines and rough painting in the background clearly reflect trees and grass. This is an indication that the dancing girl is out in the open, among the trees and treading on the green grass. The girl blends in perfectly with nature, suggesting that women are closer to nature than their male counterparts.

Dancing Girl is one of Paul Klee’s artworks that seem simple yet full of meaning. He has only used lines and a few colours to create the image of a dancing girl. He appears to have a special place for ladies in his life and wishes to communicate the same to the whole world.