How did Paul Klee’s artwork change after World War I ended?

Following the end of World War I in 1918, Paul Klee’s artwork underwent a notable shift driven by his political optimism for a new society. His post-war output was characterized by a sense of exuberance and a return to the farcical, absurd imagery he had explored prior to the war.1

Key developments in his work during this period included:

• Humor and Absurdity: Influenced by his interactions with the Dadaists in Zürich, his work embraced a spirit of humor and absurdity.1
• Innovative Techniques: In 1919, Klee devised a unique oil transfer technique. By tracing drawings through ink-coated transfer paper, he created "coloured drawings" with distinctive, fuzzy lines that added a rich, whimsical quality to his work, as seen in Twittering Machine (1922).1
• Geometric Rationalization: Following his 1920 appointment to the Bauhaus, Klee began to rationalize his artistic practice. His work became increasingly geometric, with a sharper focus on formal elements like linear constructions and reduced forms, reflecting his role as a lecturer on the mechanics of art.1