The Antifada E274: Merry Brutalistmas w/ Ross Wolfe & Susannah Grossman Wolfe
Dec 25, 2024
Join Ross Wolfe, a scholar of Brutalist architecture, and Susannah Grossman-Wolfe, who adds depth to the discussion of architectural themes in film. They dive into the film 'The Brutalist,' exploring the intersection of Bauhaus and brutalism. Discover how the story of Laszlo Toth, a Holocaust survivor, navigates identity and cultural tensions in a post-war America. The couple also delves into the societal implications and mixed perceptions of brutalism in contemporary culture, framing architecture as a reflection of deeper community struggles.
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A Brutalist Love Story
- Ross Wolfe and Susannah Grossman-Wolfe met at a screening of Bertolucci's The Conformist.
- Their shared interest in architecture, specifically brutalism, sparked their connection.
Bauhaus and its Political Ties
- The Bauhaus school, with socialist origins, transitioned towards functionalism through dialogue with constructivism.
- It had a communist interlude under Hannes Meyer, who was later ousted for his political beliefs.
Brutalism's Utopian Ideals
- Brutalism, considered the last gasp of utopian modernism, was a polemical response to depoliticized Scandinavian design.
- Its "honesty of materials" reflects its social mission, particularly in public housing and institutions.
