Why Did the Nazis Hate Abstract or Cubist Art?

Throughout history, certain movements or ideas have gained widespread recognition without a clear understanding of their core principles. This has provided opportunists with a platform to exploit popular sentiment, often misrepresenting or weaponizing these ideas. During the 20th century, abstract art became one such movement, where the Nazis used it as a tool to further their ideological agenda. Today, we explore the reasons behind the Germans' antipathy towards abstract or cubist art, both due to their strategic needs and genuine ideological objections.

Connecting Familiarity with Unfamiliarity

When a movement or idea reaches a level of recognition where its name is known, but its essence is not widely understood, it often becomes a target for manipulation by those seeking to fit their own narrative. In the case of abstract art, those with ultranationalist and Right-wing beliefs capitalized on this phenomenon, using the movement as a tool to wage warfare against perceived enemies of their ideology. For some, abstract art came to represent the danger of scientific or spiritual concepts to their way of thinking. Conversely, others viewed it as a sign of the enemy's strength and a sign of the urgency for a counteroffensive.

Right-Wingers and Postmodernism

Rather recently, right-wing movements have used postmodernism to foster a similar kind of backlash. In much the same way that abstract art was seen as a threat to the purity of true and good ideas, postmodernism became a scapegoat for many of the challenges they perceived in society. However, when examining the case of the Nazis and their antipathy towards abstract or cubist art, it is essential to recognize that their rejection was not entirely devoid of genuine, ideological conflict.

The Influence of Cultural Beliefs

The Nazis, like many authoritarian ideologies, had a deep-seated belief in the power of art to shape and reflect a nation's character. They viewed art as a means to elevate the cultural, moral, and productive nature of society. They believed in the cultivation of excellence in all fields, seeing it as a vital component of a healthy, thriving nation. In this context, abstract art became the antithesis of their values, symbolizing a decadent, degenerate culture that posed a threat to the German national character.

Abstract Art and Uncertainty

Part of the Nazis' aversion to abstract art stemmed from the inherent ambiguity it presented. Unlike traditional representational art, which clearly depicts specific subjects and scenes, abstract art invites interpretation and maintains a sense of ambiguity. To an authoritarian regime, this ambiguity was discomforting, often leading to a perception that abstract art was a means of subverting the established order and challenging the status quo. This discomfort with ambiguity was a fundamental aspect of the Nazis' belief in clear, unwavering direction and control.

The Power of Degeneracy

National-Socialism was predicated on the idea that a nation could poison itself through degeneracy and cultural decay. They believed that a society focused on excellence and cultural refinement would be more productive, more law-abiding, and more cohesive. Conversely, a society permeated by degeneracy would be in decline, plagued by moral and spiritual decay. In the context of their ideology, abstract art represented a degenerate, ambiguous form of expression that could potentially erode the cultural and moral vitality of the nation.

Theportunizing Abstract Art

The Nazis were adept at using abstract art not only as a symbol of subversion but also as a weapon in their ideological campaign. They successfully portrayed abstract art as evidence of the enemy's strength and a testament to the need for a rigid, authoritarian regime to combat perceived decadence. By linking abstract art with left-wing, anti-authoritarian ideas, the Nazis not only reinforced their narrative but also demonized any form of expression that deviated from their prescribed cultural norms.

Conclusion

The antipathy towards abstract art during the Nazi era provides a poignant example of how political and cultural ideologies can shape artistic movements. While the Nazis used abstract art for strategic manipulation, their genuine ideological conflict with its ambiguity and degenerative effect on culture should not be dismissed. Understanding this complex relationship helps us appreciate the multifaceted nature of art and its role in shaping societal values and political ideologies.