While researching Gustav Klimt, I thought it was a good idea to watch the film Klimt (2006). It’s a truly silly film, take for example the scene where Gustav Klimt smears a piece of cake in the face of Adolf Loos to solve a dispute over ornament:
Gustav Klimt, responding to Loos’s claim that ornament is crime and having covered the face of Loos in cake:
- “What you were just saying is merely ornamental.
- Therefore it’s useless and therefore it’s ugly.
- However this cake has allowed me to shut your mouth.
- Therefore it’s useful, it’s expressive, and above all it’s beautiful.”
Loos:
- “You, Herr Klimt, I forgive.
- And you know why I forgive you?
- Because at least your paintings are sexual, as all art should be.
- The crucifixion for example.
- Now what could be more sexual than the crucifixion?”
I’m not sure Loos and Klimt met. But I’m quite certain Loos would not have allowed to be pied like that.