Cubism

Definition

Cubism is an avant-garde art movement that revolutionized European painting and sculpture in the early 20th century. Characterized by fragmented and abstracted forms, it challenges conventional forms of representation, prioritizing geometric shapes and multiple viewpoints.

History

Origins

Cubism emerged in Paris around 1907, pioneered by artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. They were inspired by African sculptures and the work of post-Impressionist artist Paul Cézanne.

Development

The movement evolved through two phases: Analytic Cubism (1907-1912), focusing on complex, fragmented objects, and Synthetic Cubism (1912-1914), introducing simpler shapes and brighter colors.

Influence

Cubism had a profound impact on the development of modern art, influencing movements like Futurism, Constructivism, and Dada.

Key Concepts

• Geometric Simplification: Breaking down objects into geometric forms.
• Multiple Perspectives: Representing subjects from multiple angles simultaneously.
• Collage: Incorporating non-traditional materials and found objects into artworks.

Notable Artists

• Pablo Picasso
• Georges Braque
• Juan Gris
• Fernand Léger

Major Works

• Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (Pablo Picasso, 1907)
• Violin and Candlestick (Georges Braque, 1910)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cubism in simple terms?
Cubism is an art movement where objects are broken up, analyzed, and re-assembled in an abstracted form.

Who started Cubism and why?
Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque started Cubism to challenge traditional perspectives in art, influenced by African sculpture and Paul Cézanne’s works.

How did Cubism impact modern art?
Cubism’s introduction of abstract representation and multiple viewpoints paved the way for various modern art movements and a departure from traditional realism.