Alma Mahler and Oskar Kokoschka: Passion or Destruction?

Alma Mahler and Oskar Kokoschka: Passion or Destruction?

Alma Mahler was a colorful personality in Viennese society at the beginning of the 20th century. Known through her marriages to prominent men such as the composer Gustav Mahler, the architect Walter Gropius and the writer Franz Werfel, she also left a lasting mark on the art scene through her passionate affairs. The relationship with the expressionist icon Oskar Kokoschka is particularly noteworthy. It is covered, among other things, in the feature film “Alma and Oskar”, which will be broadcast on Saturday, July 19th at 10 p.m. on 3sat Radio Hochstift reported.

The film, which is based on the novel “Die Windsbraut” by Hilde Berger and was directed by an Austrian director, gives a deep insight into the interpersonal entanglements and power games of the two characters. In Vienna in 1912, after the death of Gustav Mahler, Alma (played by Emily Cox) begins a stormy affair with Kokoschka (Valentin Postlmayr), which soon turns into a game of power and dependence. This intense relationship was anything but easy, as the film shows, and highlights the dynamic between Kokoschka, who is considered the “enfant terrible” of the Viennese art scene, and Alma, who dares to reject social conventions SRF added.

A life in the field of tension of art

Alma and Oskar first met in April 1912 in Carl Moll's house. She wanted to have his portrait portrayed, which led to a passionate love affair. Kokoschka created several works of art for Alma, including a series of fans and a portrait. However, their relationship was turbulent, marked by jealousy and conflict, and ended in 1915 when Alma declared the relationship over. Shortly afterwards she married Walter Gropius, whom she had already met in 1910. Their story and the tense relationship are not only romantic, but also tragic, as shown PSU is documented.

Also fascinating is the specific dynamic within the relationship: Kokoschka was possessive and jealous, while Alma acted as a muse who followed her own desires. The film impressively conveys how the two treated each other - it is a toxic but at the same time inspiring power game. Beyond the culture shock between Alma Mahler and Oskar Kokoschka, it also becomes clear how this relationship influenced the lives of both artists and continued to have an impact on their art.

A lasting legacy

Ultimately, the connection between Alma Mahler and Oskar Kokoschka not only transcended personal boundaries, but also found its place in art history. Kokoschka, considered one of the most important expressionist painters of the 20th century, dedicated to Alma an artistic universe charged with the passion and tragedies of their relationship. Even after their separation, Kokoschka had a life-size doll made of her, which he later destroyed in front of everyone - a sign of his passionate affection and simultaneous breakdown.

“Alma and Oskar” not only offers a captivating look into the past, but also addresses universal themes of love, power and the urge to create. Anyone interested in the cultural and social trends of this time should not miss the film's broadcast.