Monthly Archives: April 2023

Emil Nolde – Marsh Landscape

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Emil Nolde was a German-Danish painter and printmaker. He was one of the first Expressionists, which is a style of painting that occurred during the modernist movement. Expressionism gained popularity in the 20th century and was predominantly popular in Germany. The style of art is subjective to the artist’s own perspective, especially emotionally. Many expressionist painters were influenced by Vincent Van Gogh due to common features in painting including shocking composition and unpredictable coloring. 

The art piece that I am introducing is a painting called, Marsh Landscape by Emil Nolde. This art piece was inspired by Nolde’s life on the Baltic coast of Germany and created sometime between 1930-1935. The landscape in the painting was a low-lying marsh specifically located at the border province of North Schleswig where he was born and raised. Nolde has created quite a few landscape paintings of the marshes because the setting held special meaning to him since it was the place he was raised in. 

 The art piece is a great example of Emil Nolde’s talent as an expressionist painter. The painting has many different sizes of brush strokes and colors. There are many aspects of nature in this painting but not in its typical form. The sky is depicted using a different color than it is usually depicted, here the sky is orange and has dark purple like clouds. By using colors that are not “typical”, Nolde is expressing himself in the painting rather than the physical reality of the landscape. 

From this painting we can learn that a lot of the “realities” we feel in nature are based on perspective. The way Emil Nolde is able to capture emotion out of this landscape and paint it allows people viewing the art to understand his “reality” instead. People often forget about their emotional connection to nature and often refer back to nature regarding science. However, from this painting we learn that a lot of the things we visualize are based on the emotions and perspectives we feel. 

 

The image shows the painting Marsh Land painted during the 1930s 

Emil Nolde (1930-1935), Marsh Land, North Schleswig

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2011.125 

The image shows the painting Marsh Land painted during the 1930s 

Emil Nolde (1930-1935), Marsh Land, North Schleswig

https://www.stephenongpin.com/object/790427/18216/marsh-landscape-with-farmhouses-at



“Da ich ein Knabe war”

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“Da ich ein knabe war” (When I was a boy) is a poem written by Friedrich Hölderlin, a German romantic poet who lived from 1770 to 1843. Much of Friedrich Hölderlin’s works center on Greek mythology and syntax, going beyond an appreciation of the Classics, Friedrich is often thought to have truly believed in these Gods, intertwining them with the strict Lutheran beliefs that he was raised upon. Later in life, Hölderin would experience intense physical and mental illness that drove him to insanity. His work was very influential in the field of philosophy, referenced by thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger. 

“When I was a boy” was one of Hölderlin’s early works, and follows a more structured form of writing compared to his later works later in life. The poem is a recollection of his childhood, as well as a celebration of the Greek Gods, who he found in every part of nature. He describes these fond memories with different facets of nature; the trees, plants, flowers, the moon, and the sky as moments of teaching by the Gods and an attempt to reach out to him. He relishes in the beauty of the natural environment around him and shares his love for the Gods he associates with it. Hölderlin reminisces on the sights and sounds of nature that he claimed to have raised him, completing the poem with the line “I grew up in the arms of gods”.

Hölderin created his works during the German Romantic period, the post-Enlightenment era that focused heavily upon the celebration of the natural world and its connection to God. While most Romantic artists center upon a Christian God or make light reference to classical mythology, Hölderlin explicitly connected the Greek Gods of nature to his environment. Consistent with the Romantic ideals of the time, Hölderlin deeply emphasizes the beauty of his environment, using divine language and describing it as a teacher to mankind. 

This historical perspective on nature was a major development in German history and culture. Poems that celebrate the forest as a spiritual place made room for its deeper appreciation as a place of beauty and the unknown. Giving meaning to the forest beyond being a material resource encouraged people to protect and respect it.  Poetry like Hölderlin’s can convey a vivid experience of nature as one would encounter it, something a scientific or material perspective could not offer. This poem gives modern readers a window into the passion and admiration Romantic thinkers had for their forests and the world around them.

 

Works Cited

“Friedrich Hölderlin – New World Encyclopedia.” Newworldencyclopedia.org, 2017, www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Friedrich_H%C3%B6lderlin. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.

New York Council on the Arts. “Nine Poems, by Friedrich Hölderlin  |  Conjunctions — the Forum for Innovative Writing.” Www.conjunctions.com, www.conjunctions.com/online/article/friedrich-holderlin-05-31-2005. Accessed 21 Apr. 2023.

Poetry Foundation. “Poetry Foundation.” Poetry Foundation, 2009, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/friedrich-holderlin.

Love Song to the Earth and Das Lied von der Erde (Song of the Earth) by Gustav Mahler

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The song “Love Song to the Earth” is a music video as well as an initiative that was started in 2015. The song is performed by a collaboration of artists that were part of this initiative to protect the planet. These artists included Angelique Kidjo, Christina Grimmie, Colbie Caillat, Fergie, Johnny Rzeznik, Jon Bon Jovi, Kelsea Ballerini, etc.  And “The Song of the Earth” is a symphony composed by Gustav Mahler in 1907. It is a two-part performance, containing six songs about different seasons and elements of the Earth and nature.  

Even though these two pieces of music were released years apart, they have backgrounds that are sad, yet similar. The “Love Song to the Earth” was produced as part of the initiative to fight against climate change. The globe has been fighting the intensifying forces of climate change for many years, including more natural disasters, ocean warming, ect. In addition, the “Song of the Earth” also was made from a desperate need for hope. The composer was forced out of his position as Director of the Vienna Court Opera because of antisemitism, his daughter abruptly passed away, and he was diagnosed with a heart condition all within a few months.   

However, both these songs provide hope for a better future using nature as a driving force. The “Love Song to the Earth” brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to fight against climate change to protect the world we all live in. And the “Song of the Earth” elaborates in the lyrics of the beauty of the Earth, even if it has a sad undertone at times. These include “The sweet fragrance of flower has passed; A cold wind bows their stems low.”  

These songs directly related to what we have been learning throughout the semester in the German Environments course. They both describe the beauty of the Earth and the world we all live in. The “Love Song to the Earth” describes different aspects of climate change and climate protection. And the “Song of the Earth” describes the different beautiful aspects of nature, specifically in Germany, such as the “branches of green willows.” In class, we have learned about the different ways Germany is taking part in protecting our world. These include sustainable ways of obtaining food, new methods of energy, and protecting their forests as well as largely appreciating them. 

We can learn a lot from these songs that is different from just reading about protecting the environment. This includes that nature has the power to overcome and heal us in amazing ways and it is important that we fight to protect it. It can sometimes seem as if people are against sustainability and just want to do what is easiest and makes money but these song show differently. 

sources:

http://lovesongtotheearth.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Das_Lied_von_der_Erde

Public Transportation in German, and how can the U.S. learn from it.

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Public transportation is an essential component of sustainable mobility and urban development, and Germany is a shining example of how a country can achieve a comprehensive and efficient public transportation system. The German approach to sustainable public transportation is a result of a long-term vision and strategy that involves different levels of government, public and private operators, civil society, and users.

One of the key factors that have contributed to the success of public transportation in Germany is the pricing and taxation policy. The government has imposed high taxes on gasoline and diesel, making driving more expensive and encouraging people to use public transportation or other modes of transport. Furthermore, public transportation fares are relatively low and often subsidized by local authorities, and there are various discounts and incentives for frequent users. These policies have made public transportation affordable and accessible for all, regardless of their socioeconomic status (5).

Germany has also imposed strict emission standards and speed limits for cars, as well as bans or charges for entering certain low-emission zones or city centers. Additionally, parking spaces are limited and costly in many urban areas, which discourages car ownership and use. The government has also invested in modernizing and expanding its public transportation infrastructure and vehicles, using renewable energy sources, digitalization, automation, and electrification. These technological innovations have made public transportation more efficient, reliable, and sustainable (4).

The German approach to public transportation is also characterized by a high level of integration and coordination among different modes of public transportation at the local, regional, and national levels. There are common timetables, ticketing systems, information platforms, and intermodal hubs that allow users to easily switch from one mode to another. This integration and coordination have made public transportation more user-friendly and convenient (3).

Furthermore, Germany has a strong culture of public participation and awareness regarding environmental issues and sustainable mobility. There are various initiatives and campaigns that involve citizens, NGOs, businesses, schools, and media in promoting public transportation as a social good and a lifestyle choice. These participatory and awareness-raising activities have fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the public towards public transportation (2).

While the German approach to sustainable public transportation is inspiring, it may not be entirely transferable to a US context. The US faces various barriers and obstacles that prevent or hinder the development and improvement of public transportation. These include geography and demography, culture and preferences, politics and governance, economics and finance, innovation and regulation.

However, this does not mean that the US cannot learn from the German experience and adapt it to its own context. The US already has some examples of successful public transportation systems in some cities or regions, such as New York City or San Francisco. By studying these successful cases and identifying their strengths and weaknesses, the US can formulate a tailored approach to sustainable public transportation that fits its unique circumstances (2).

 

Citation:

Sustainable mode of transport choices at the destination – public transport at German destinations | Emerald Insight. (2018, July 4). Retrieved from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/TR-11-2017-0177/full/html

Puentes, R. (2001, April 27). Move It: How the U.S. Can Improve Transportation Policy. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/move-it-how-the-u-s-can-improve-transportation-policy/

The future of public participation in Germany: Empirical analyses of administration experts’ assessments. (2015, May 12). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2015.04.013

The Local Europe GmbH. (2023, February 22). Explained: What to know about driving in low emissions zones in Germany. The Local Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20230222/explained-what-to-know-about-driving-in-low-emissions-zones-in-germany

Kirschbaum, L., & Schade, W. (2017). Transport policy planning in Germany – An analysis of political programmes and user costs. European Transport Research Review, 9(4), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12544-017-0247-7

The Hidden Life of Trees

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“The Hidden Life of Trees” is a book written by Peter Wohlleben.  Published in 2015, the book is Wohlleben’s account of how trees communicate with one another and interact with their environment.  Peter Wohlleben had been fascinated with trees for his entire life and involved in environmental protection and forestry for over 30 years.  Wohlleben began writing books in 2007 about the relationships between trees and the ecosystem.  “The Forest: An Obituary” and “Forest Without Guardians: In the Stranglehold of Hunting Interests and Forestry” were some of his earliest works.  Despite releasing 15 books previous to “The Hidden Life of Trees”, Wohlleben only first found true success on the latter title.  Selling a million copies in Germany and over 3 million worldwide, he gained international fame over his scientific conclusions that trees were similar to families in a sense that they supported other trees and their ecosystem in more complex ways then previously known.  Wohlleben’s delivery of this information to a mainstream audience was unprecedented and his writing elicited an emotional reaction from readers that created a newfound sense of care and sympathy for a previously overlooked form of life.

In 2020, “The Hidden Life of Trees” was turned into a studio production and released to audiences.  The film was followed by extreme praise, and it was acclaimed worldwide.  Audiences were pleased to find that their preconceived notions of a story about the science behind trees being dull did not ring true to the film.  Through its engaging and simplistic delivery and stunning visuals, the film brought more attention than ever before to Wohlleben’s message and discoveries.  Wohlleben takes audiences through various locations ranging from Germany to Poland to Vancouver.  He highlights environmental injustices and cites specific locations where trees are being harmed.  One example mentioned in the film is the examination of a tree that lines a German city street.  Surrounded by concrete and disconnected with its ecosystem, he explains that the tree will not have a long lifespan due to the concrete surrounding its roots and isolating it from other trees.  We know this is important because earlier in the film, he explains how trees support each other by passing nutrients through their roots to keep older trees within close proximity from dying.  Wohlleben’s decision to emphasize how trees are similar to humans creates a raw and emotional response from viewers and readers alike.  This method of delivering scientific information succeeds in generating attention society gives to conserving forests and increases awareness given to sustainability.

 

Sources:

Moor, Robert. “The German Forester Who Wants the World to Idolize Trees.” The New Yorker, 10 June 2021, https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/the-german-forester-who-wants-the-world-to-idolize-trees

Girish, Devika. “’The Hidden Life of Trees’ Review: Magic Kingdom.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 15 July 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/15/movies/the-hidden-life-of-trees-review.html.

 

Erlkönig

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Poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Composition by Franz Schubert

“Erlkönig” is a poem that was originally written by the famous German author Goethe in 1782, but arguably more popular is the musical composition by Franz Schubert, which takes Goethe’s poem and puts it to music.

The story follows a young boy and his father. The young child, simply referred to as “der Kind”, has fallen ill, and his father (der Vater) as they ride on horseback through the forest. The child is frightened, as he believes they are being chased by the Erlkönig, though the father says there is nothing following them. The Erlkönig attempts to coerce the child with promises of games and beautiful flowers. The father cannot ride fast enough, and the Erlkönig reaches out to grasp the child; they eventually reach their destination, but the father discovers his son is dead. 

Goethe’s early work clearly defined the Sturm und Drang period. Translating to “storm and stress,” was a German artistic movement preceding Romanticism that focused on the realities of life, extreme emotional states, and tragedies. This is clear in “Erlkönig” with the death of the young child. 

One of the biggest German aspects of the poem is the fact that it takes place in a forest. Germany has a long history with the forest, as it was heavily featured in early fairytales, studied during early environmentalism, and focused on by German scholars today. In traditional German fairytales, the forest was associated with danger and mystery. Often, antagonists of the stories would live in the forest, such as the witch in Hansel and Gretel. This is true in “Erlkönig”, as the Erlkönig lives and “attacks” in the forest. Even the father, who cannot see the Erlkönig, describes the forest as ominous. 

The ending of the poem can be interpreted through a climate activism standpoint. The forest and the Erlkönig represent climate change, and how the rapid deterioration of the planet is catching up with humanity. If the harm to the planet becomes irreversible, we may not have a future generation: represented by the death of the child. The poem ends with the word “dead,” showing how there is no action after the death of the climate and the future generations.

Though written hundreds of years ago, “Erlkönig” can teach readers about the history of the forest and perhaps creates a sense of urgency to pursue climate justice. Also, it is easier for people to understand complex topics through emotions, rather than a scientific paper.

References:

Boyle, Nicholas. “Johann Wolfgang von Goethe”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Mar. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Wolfgang-von-Goethe. Accessed 17 April 2023.

Britannica, the Editors of Encyclopaedia. “The Erl-King”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Feb. 2015, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Erl-King. Accessed 17 April 2023.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Sturm und Drang”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2020, https://www.britannica.com/event/Sturm-und-Drang. Accessed 17 April 2023.

von Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. “Erlkönig.” 1782. Oxford Lieder, https://www.oxfordlieder.co.uk/song/1420. Accessed 17 April 2023.