Fidus: Celebrity Artist of the völkisch Movement

Abstract

The text discusses the artwork of Hugo Höppener, also known as Fidus, and his association with right-wing counterculture and ethnic supremacist as well as antisemitic movements (völkische Bewegung) in Germany in the early 20th century. The analysis focuses on "Lichtgebet" / "Prayer to the Light", its performative somatic and aesthetic strategies, and its connections to occult and Theosophical theories. This way, ideals of the Lebensreform and youth movements as well as their concepts of nature, are discussed in relation to Aryan mythology and runic symbolism, especially so-called runic gymnastics (Runengymnastik).

Keywords: Fidus, Hugo Höppener, Lichtgebet, Lebensreform, völkische Bewegung, Runengymnastik