In 1953 Kokoschka founded his School of Vision in Salzburg. His goal was to train the gaze of the young as the only tool capable of perceiving the reality of the modern world. His teaching methods differed from traditional artistic education: life drawing classes consisted of models not staying still, but moving, and the use of watercolor was encouraged, despite its difficulty. Nowadays, Kokoschka’s legacy continues in Salzburg’s International Summer Academy of Fine Arts.

“My school does not strive towards technical skill, nor towards photographic imitations of nature, and not at all towards abstract art. I want to teach my students the art of visions, an ability greatly lost in modern society.” Oskar Kokoschka

Anonymous, Oskar Kokoschka at the School of Vision, Salzburg, ca. 1953,
Vevey, Fondation Oskar Kokoschka