Werner Gilles: A Visionary German Artist and His Human Design

Werner Gilles, born on August 29, 1894, in Rheydt, Germany, was a renowned German artist who navigated significant challenges throughout his life, ultimately emerging as a key figure in 20th-century art. Despite being labeled a “degenerate artist” by the Nazi regime in the 1930s, Gilles’s artistic journey was profoundly influenced by his education under Lyonel Feininger at the Bauhaus school and his immersion in vibrant cultural hubs across Europe. His Human Design as a Projector significantly influenced his approach to art and interactions with the world.

Early Life and Education

Werner Gilles discovered his passion for art early in life, a path that would later be underscored by his Human Design as a Projector, which emphasizes guidance and recognition. He studied at the academies of Kassel and Weimar, where he was mentored by Lyonel Feininger, a prominent figure of the Bauhaus movement. This education played a critical role in shaping Gilles’s artistic methods and perspectives.

Gilles’s Human Design profile of 1/3, often referred to as the “Investigator/Martyr,” suggests a natural inclination for deep exploration and learning through experience. This profile helped Gilles to delve into various artistic styles and mediums, enriching his work with a profound depth of understanding and originality.

Artistic Journey and Influence

In 1921, Werner Gilles relocated to Ischia, Italy, a move that coincided with his Human Design strategy of “Waiting for the Invitation.” This strategy suggests that Projectors like Gilles thrive when they are recognized and invited into opportunities, rather than pursuing them aggressively. Ischia provided a serene environment that allowed Gilles to flourish artistically.

By 1923, Gilles had moved to Düsseldorf, and between 1925 and 1930, he split his time between Berlin and Paris. This period was marked by experimentation and collaboration, aligning with his Incarnation Cross: the Right Angle Cross of Planning (40/37 | 16/9), which emphasizes organization, community involvement, and strategic collaboration.

The Impact of World War II

During the 1930s, Werner Gilles faced severe challenges when the Nazi regime labeled him a “degenerate artist.” This forced him to cease his artistic endeavors, a profound setback for someone whose Emotional Inner Authority, according to Human Design, drives them to make decisions based on emotional clarity. Despite these hardships, the years following World War II saw Gilles returning to his craft with renewed vigor and insight.

Post-War Career and Legacy

In the post-war years, Werner Gilles continued to travel between München in the winter and Ischia in the summer. This seasonal migration allowed him to integrate the influences of both cultures into his work, maintaining a balance that resonated with his Human Design Channel of “63-4,” which involves logical thinking and curiosity.

Gilles’s contributions to the art world were substantial, as he seamlessly blended elements of expressionism with modernist tendencies. His work often reflected his strategic planning nature and his ability to bring people together through shared visions, as indicated by his Right Angle Cross of Planning.

Werner Gilles passed away in Essen, Germany, on June 23, 1961. His legacy as an artist is enduring, with his works continuing to inspire and evoke admiration for their depth, emotional resonance, and innovative spirit.

Human Design Insights

Understanding Werner Gilles through the lens of Human Design provides a unique perspective on his life and work. As a Projector, Gilles was naturally attuned to recognizing the talents of others and guiding them, which can be seen in his collaborative efforts during his time in Berlin and Paris.

His Emotional Inner Authority suggests that his creative decisions were heavily influenced by his emotional state, contributing to the expressive and often poignant nature of his art. The 1/3 Profile, indicative of a personality rooted in exploration and learning, further underscores his experimental approach to art, a characteristic that allowed him to adapt and evolve despite external pressures.

The Channels of 63-4 and 37-40 in his design highlight his logical approach to problem-solving and his ability to foster harmonious relationships, both of which are evident in his organized artistic process and the community-driven aspect of his work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Werner Gilles’s Human Design Type?

Werner Gilles was a Projector, a Human Design type known for their ability to guide and direct others. Projectors succeed by waiting for invitations and recognition, allowing them to share their wisdom effectively.

How did Werner Gilles’s Human Design influence his art?

Gilles’s Emotional Inner Authority and Projector type meant his art was deeply connected to his emotional state and external recognition. His artwork often conveyed profound emotional depth and was most impactful when he followed his strategy of waiting for invitations, allowing him to collaborate and innovate effectively.

What is the significance of Werner Gilles’s 1/3 Profile?

The 1/3 Profile indicates a deep need for investigation and experiential learning. For Gilles, this meant a continuous exploration of new artistic styles and techniques, which enriched his work with innovative elements and a broad range of influences.

How did Werner Gilles’s Incarnation Cross influence his life?

His Incarnation Cross of the Right Angle Cross of Planning (40/37 | 16/9) suggests a natural talent for strategic planning and community organization. This cross influenced his career by enabling him to work collaboratively in artistic communities and build networks that enhanced his creativity and output.

What are Werner Gilles’s Human Design Channels, and how did they manifest in his work?

Werner Gilles had the Channels of 63-4 and 37-40. The 63-4 channel reflects his logical and curious nature, enabling him to explore and solve problems in his art. The 37-40 channel emphasizes community and harmony, which can be seen in his collaborative projects and the interconnected themes in his artwork.