Guadalajara’s stately Museo de las Artes (Musa) is showing a fascinating exhibit of works by German painter and printmaker Otto Dix (1891-1969), who is noted for his harshly realistic depictions of Weimar society and the brutality of war.
Dix represented his traumatic experiences on the battlefields of World War I in many of his subsequent works. The Musa exhibit features 86 etchings and lithographs created by Dix between 1920 and 1924.
Dix became extremely critical of inter-war German society and often dwelled on the act of Lustmord, or sexual murder. He drew attention to the bleaker side of life, unsparingly depicting prostitution, violence, old age and death.
The Nazis regarded Dix as a degenerate artist and had him sacked from his post as an art teacher at the Dresden Academy when they came to power. Many of his works were destroyed. He was conscripted in World War II and captured by the French.
Following the war, Dix’s fame grew and he won many prizes and awards for his work.
In addition to the artworks, visitors can see a documentary on Dix, titled “Otto Dix – Variaciones sobre un tema.”
Musa is at Av. Juarez 975, two blocks from Calzada Federalismo. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free entry.