In the Style of Kairouan - Paul Klee

Paul Klee's 1914 watercolour, 'In the Style of Kairouan', reflects his travels in Tunisia and his move towards abstraction. The painting features geometric blocks of colour, capturing the essence of Kairouan's architecture and atmosphere.

Paul Klee, a Swiss-German artist (1879-1940), created 'In the Style of Kairouan' in 1914. This watercolour on paper reflects Klee's engagement with abstraction and his interest in non-Western art traditions. Klee's journey to Tunisia in 1914, particularly his time in Kairouan, had a profound impact on his artistic development, leading him to declare that colour possessed him. This work is a visual response to the architecture and atmosphere of Kairouan, a city known for its Islamic architecture and vibrant culture. The painting is composed of rectangular and square blocks of colour, arranged in a grid-like structure. These geometric forms evoke the architectural elements of Kairouan, such as its buildings, courtyards, and mosaics. The colour palette includes warm tones of red, orange, and yellow, alongside cooler shades of green, blue, and grey. These colours are applied in a semi-transparent manner, allowing the paper to show through and creating a luminous effect. Circular shapes punctuate the composition, adding a sense of rhythm and movement. The overall effect is one of harmonious balance and visual interest, capturing the essence of Kairouan's unique character.