An ‘expressionist’ Austrian painter, poet and playwright of Czech origin, Oskar Kokoschka was known for his highly dramatized performances. One of his most incredible and extraordinary creations is “The Tempest (The Bride of the Wind)” an oil painting on canvas, measuring 5’11” x 7’3″, created in 1914. Oskar Kokoschka made “The Tempest” using the muffler color tones of pastel green and pink, with prominent use of dark blue and gray, making up the background as well. Kokoschka’s use of a muted color scheme adds to the mystical aspect of the illustration. He painted “The Tempest Mourning his failed intense and passionate love affair with his muse Alma Mahler (a Viennese socialite who was the widow of composer Gustav Mahler). The bizarre painting was a tribute to her.
“The Tempest (The Bride of the Wind)” shows Alma and Oskar himself stripped to the waist, entwined in a shell-shaped boat, floating on turbulent waves. It seems as if they have been shipwrecked and are in the middle of the ocean. Their individual expressions and body language are immensely contrasting and speak volumes about their characters. Alma lies on her side happily asleep. Her pretty face appears serene, oblivious to the dangers that surround them. On the other hand, lying next to her is Oskar, devoid of sleep. He seems to be staring into the air, as if he’s consumed with worry. He looks weak and his body seems bruised in some places. The wildness of the waves is accentuated by the vigorous brushwork of dense impasto color. The swirling background ‘symbolizes’ the stormy and passionate relationship they shared. Kokoschka creates a silhouette of shapes, skillfully layering colors and mixing them. In some places, the waves seem to form the footprints of ghostly figures, probably implying Oskar’s haunting traumas. “The Tempest” is an example of Oskar’s intensely “expressionist” style of work.
Austrian poet George Traki had the chance to see the painting before it was finished. Fascinated with illustration, he immediately created a poem, called ‘The Night’. Some of his words were ‘Over the blackish cliffs Drunken death rushes, the incandescent Bride of the wind’. Inspired by the verse, Oskar named his painting “The Tempest (The Bride of the Wind)”. In “The Tempest”, he presents a visual treat through his exceptional talent and his masterful vision. This incredible and unusual work of art has been an inspiration for many novels and movies. The painting currently remains in the Kunstmuseum in Basel.
