Kairouan : Or How Paul Klee Became a Painter

The impressions which Paul Klee collected on his journey to Tunisia in 1914, and especially to the city of Kairouan, were of fundamental significance: »Colour and I are one. I am a painter.« A few years later, in 1921, Wilhelm Hausenstein placed his friend Paul Klee at the centre of his book Kairuanand was thus one of the first people to recognise the artist’s genius. This commented edition, which opens with a foreword by Peter Härtling, combines Hausenstein’s original text with important works by Klee and a profound essay by Michael Haerdter. Its particular charm lies in the combination of Klee monograph, novel narrating the development of the artist and exclusive book presentation: a treasure for established lovers of Klee as well as those whose interesthas just been awakened. It grants an incomparable insight into the life of Paul Klee as an artist within the context of European art and society.

The impressions Paul Klee collected on his journey to Tunisia in 1914, and especially to the city of Kairouan, were of fundamental significance to his artistic development: “Color and I are one. I am a painter,” he declared afterwards. A few years later, in 1921, Klee’s friend Wilhelm Hausenstein placed the artist at the center of his book, Kairouan, and was thus one of the first people to recognize the artist’s genius. This edition combines Hausenstein’s rare original text with rich examples of Klee’s most important works. The particular charm of this volume lies in the unique combination of Klee monograph, novel narrating the development of the artist, and an exclusive book presentation. Kairouan is a treasure for established lovers of Klee as well as those whose interest has just been awakened. It grants an incomparable insight into the life of Paul Klee as an artist within the context of European art and society.