Digital Guide

Paul Klee

Untitled (Composition with Flowers and Leaves)

Ölfarbe auf Karton; originaler Rahmen , 32 x 28,8 cm

Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern

Show garden 1

This display garden is cared for by Robert Zolinger from the company Hortiplus. He is an expert in rare and traditional plants. A great variety of plants are grown here: rare, old root vegetables; traditional varieties of grain; and a colourful selection of flowers. This year, for example, there are “social vegetables,” such as chard and spinach …

About the Work

Although the flowers and leaves are hidden in this picture, they somehow immediately catch the eye. They merge into different, irregular fields of colour. At the same time, their shapes are instantly recognizable: They look like typical leaves and flowers. Paul Klee knew exactly how drastically he could simplify a subject. He knew our perception very well and thus simplified forms that we all know. He was also interested in variety – not in the sense of biodiversity – but in the variety of shapes and colours.

Learn More: Variety – Biodiversity

Paul Klee was especially fascinated by the variety of natural phenomena. He used this diversity as inspiration, because he loved working with mixed colours and his work itself is characterized by a great variety. In nature, diversity – also called biodiversity – is essential for survival. Biodiversity is the variety of life and includes ecosystems and species. High biodiversity makes habitats more stable. Thus, when a species goes extinct, the habitat can continue to function, because other species can take over its role. That is why we actively promote diversity on our grounds. Our bees are, so to speak, the measuring stick – if the bees are doing well, then our site is a good habitat.