1917-1943
A Chronicle of a Life Unfinished
CHARLOTTE SALOMON
Self Portrait // c.1942/3
EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND
Charlotte Salomon was born in 1917 in Berlin to an upper middle-class Jewish family, a background that significantly influenced her life and art. Her early years were marked by personal tragedy, including the suicide of her mother when Salomon was just eight years old. This event, along with the rise of the Nazi regime, profoundly impacted her worldview and artistic expression.
Despite these challenges, Salomon's talent was evident from a young age, leading her to study at the Vereinigte Staatsschulen für freie und angewandte Kunst in Berlin. Her education was cut short by the increasing persecution of Jews, forcing her to flee to the south of France in 1939.
Detail of the Salomon family apartment
A CREATIVE OUTPOURING
In exile, Salomon embarked on a period of intense creativity, producing her magnum opus, Life? or Theatre?. This monumental work consists of nearly 1,300 gouache paintings, accompanied by text and musical annotations. Salomon's creation defies easy categorisation, blending autobiography with fiction in a format reminiscent of a graphic novel or a Singspiel—a play with music.
Through this work, she explored her personal history and the broader socio-political context, using art as a means of survival and self-exploration. Her innovative approach and the sheer scale of the project highlight her extraordinary artistic vision and resilience.
Self Portrait with lover Amadeus Daberlohn
A crowd reading ‘Der Stürmer’ // c.1940
THEMES OF LIFE AND FATE
Life? or Theatre? is deeply introspective, addressing themes of identity, fate, and the human condition. Salomon used her art to grapple with the tragedies that shaped her life, including her family's history of suicides and the oppressive environment of Nazi Germany.
Her work questions the extent to which individuals can escape their predetermined destinies, a theme that resonates throughout her narrative. By transforming her personal experiences into a universal story, Salomon created a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit, challenging viewers to reflect on their own lives and the forces that shape them.
Portrait of her dying grandfather
ARTISTIC INNOVATION
Salomon's work is celebrated for its originality and emotional depth. Her use of vibrant colours and dynamic compositions captures the complexity of her subjects, while the integration of text and music adds layers of meaning and engagement.
This multimedia approach was groundbreaking, foreshadowing contemporary forms of storytelling. Salomon's ability to blend different artistic disciplines into a cohesive narrative demonstrates her mastery of modernist techniques and her willingness to push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Her work remains a testament to the power of creativity in the face of adversity.
Charlotte Salomon // Painting en Plein Aire // c.1940
TRAGIC END AND LEGACY
Tragically, Salomon's life was cut short when she was murdered in Auschwitz in 1943 at the age of 26. Despite her untimely death, she left behind a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate. Her work was preserved by a family friend and later donated to the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, where it has been exhibited and studied extensively.
Salomon's story and art have inspired numerous adaptations, including plays, films, and operas, further cementing her impact on the cultural landscape. Her ability to convey profound truths through art ensures her place in the canon of modern art.
Dreaming of Life // 1943
ENDURING INFLUENCE
Charlotte Salomon's influence extends beyond her artistic achievements. She is a symbol of resilience and the transformative power of art, inspiring future generations to pursue their creative visions despite adversity. Her work challenges us to confront difficult truths and to find beauty and meaning in the complexities of life.
Salomon's legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of art as a vehicle for personal and collective expression, and her story continues to inspire artists and audiences worldwide.