Born in Dresden as Conrad Felix Muller, Felixmuller joined the Dresden Academy in 1912. Moving to Berlin several years later, he began exhibiting his artwork. Reflecting postwar disillusionment with the established order, Felixmuller became increasingly involved in reformist politics and joined the Communist Party. His strong political beliefs shaped his highly expressive style. He won the 1920 State Prize of Saxony and used the proceeds to live among the working class miners of the Ruhr, and his art reflected that immersion, ultimately winning him a space in the notorious 1937 Nazi “Degenerate Art” show. After World War II, Felixmuller taught drawing and painting at the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg in Germany. He exhibited widely in places such as Florence, Paris, and Rome until his death.