invention of abstraction

Invention of Abstraction: Cubism / Futurism / De Stijl

What is “abstract” art? Started in the beginning of the 20th century. It is essentially the antithesis (opposite) of Expressionism because the subject matter is often devoid of emotion or psychological meaning. The main focus of abstraction is design - how all the parts of the composition relate to one another. The point of abstraction is to simplify or reduce an image to its elemental forms (in terms of shape, colour, line, etc.). There are a variety of ways in which abstract art was explored - three important movements we will look at: Futurism, Cubism, & De Stijl.

Quotes from Abstract artists… “What is real is not external form but the essence of things.” – Constantin Brancusi “Colour was not given to us in order that we should imitate Nature…[but] so that we can express our own emotions.” - Henri Matisse

Why are these NOT abstract art...? Emotional Realistic Meaningful

Key words: What is “abstract” art? design no meaning or emotion reduce to simple forms Cubism Futurism De Stijl early 20th century

What are some common characteristics?

Cezanne’s Influence Cezanne’s use of geometric / simplified shapes begin to show the beginning of Cubism’s ideas. As well as, his approach in capturing different angles within the same composition.

Common Characteristics of Cubism: A style of art in which the subject is broken apart and reassembled in an abstract form, emphasizing geometric shapes. Sometimes looks like shattered images into fragments on the canvas (Analytic Cubism) Sometimes looks like combining various synthesized views or aspects of an object, based on collage (Synthetic Cubism). Allows the viewer to see more than one point of view simultaneously. Part representation, part abstraction. Inventors: Picasso, Braque, Gris, and Leger

Analytic vs. Synthetic Cubism

23. Pablo Picasso. Les Desmoiselles D’Avignon. (1907) Oil on canvas. Abstracted/simplified images of female models (common Parisian prostitutes) Considered to be the first painting in “Modern Art”; shatters all conventions Multiple views; i.e. frontal and profile simultaneously seen (no logical perspective) Influence: visual power of African masks Primitivism – idealizes non-Western cultures as being more ideal and less corrupt than Europe Picasso once said it took him many years to learn to draw like children

24. George Braque. Guitar, Fruit and Pitcher. (1927) Oil on canvas.

25. Juan Gris. Fantomas (1915) Oil on canvas

Key Terms for Cubism broken / shattered geometric shapes multiple view points part representation, part abstraction Picasso Braque Gris Duchamp

Futurism A style of painting and sculpture that emerged in Italy in the early 20th century. It emphasized the machine-like quality of “modern” living. Often there was a focus on dynamism or “lines of force” in objects.

Dynamism Industrial

Shows the beauty of this man-made structure 26. Joseph Stella. Brooklyn Bridge. (1918-1920) Oil on canvas. Shows the beauty of this man-made structure Perhaps viewed from a speeding car crossing the bridge Idealized view of city life & the benefits of industrialization

27. Umberto Boccioni. Unique Forms of Continuity in Space 27. Umberto Boccioni. Unique Forms of Continuity in Space. (1913) Bronze. Focused on the “miracles of contemporary life”; the industrial age (i.e. railroads, boats, planes) Tried to “revive” sculpture. This piece is a futuristic Nike of Samothrace.

28. Natalia Goncharova The Cyclist (1913)

Key Terms for Futurism: industrial growth (industrial revolution) political chaos (World War I) machine-like modern living Dynamic “lines of force” in objects. beauty of man-made Joseph Stella, Umberto Boccioni

De Stijl (literally “The Style” in Dutch) A cold and intellectual approach to design begun by Piet Mondrian. It developed into a specific non-representational style called De Stijl. It shows complete reliance on design and no feeling or emotion. Meant to show precise, mechanical order that does NOT exist in nature.

Based on straight lines & squares/rectangles 29. Piet Mondrian. Diagonal Composition. (1921) Oil on canvas. Based on straight lines & squares/rectangles Creates a sense of harmony & order (not existing in the war torn world) Mondrian’s view: vertical lines = vitality, horizontal lines = tranquility, & crossing them creates “dynamic equilibrium” Used only black, white, grey, & primary colours Calculated placement of colours & shapes create asymmetrical balance

30. Theo van Doesburg Counter Composition V. (1924)

Key Terms for De Stijl: Intellectual approach non-representational design feeling/emotion precise / clean mechanical order not existing in nature rules no brush strokes planned

Identify the influence and justify

Identify and justify

Identify and justify

Identify and justify

Identify and justify

Identify and justify

Abstract art came about in the early 20th century (1900s) after Expressionism & Fauvism. Both are by the same artist...