Cubism Notes

Cubism

Introduction

  • Cubism is a revolutionary art form that emerged in the early 20th century.
  • It involves breaking down images into geometric shapes, reflecting a new visual perception of reality.
  • Two main categories: analytic and synthetic cubism, both rooted in geometric fragmentation.
  • Example: Picasso's "Guitar Player."

Lesson Objectives

  • Explore the characteristics of cubism.
  • Analyze works by major cubist artists.
  • Examine the two phases of cubism: analytic and synthetic.

Key Terms

  • Cubism
  • Pablo Picasso
  • Georges Braque
  • Analytic Cubism
  • Synthetic Cubism
  • Assemblage

Origins of Cubism

  • Pablo Picasso's Early Work:
    • Les Demoiselles d'Avignon (1907): A departure from traditional art.
    • Radical due to distorted figures, angular shapes, and influences from Iberian and African art.
  • Inspiration Sources for Picasso:
    • The Louvre's exhibit of 5th and 6th-century BCE Iberian works.
    • Ethnographic museums in Paris showcasing non-Western "primitive art."
    • Iberian influences seen in simplistic facial features and almond-shaped eyes.
    • African art influences seen in tribal masks on figures.
  • Comparison with Edouard Degas' Blue Dancers:
    • Degas: Soft, realistic, muted tonality, dancers not engaging with the viewer.
    • Picasso: Distorted, angular, hard figures, a radical departure.
  • Revolutionary Aspects of Picasso's Work:
    • Large canvas size, typically reserved for traditional subjects, now used for primitive art influences.
    • Subject matter: Depicts women associated with prostitution, referencing the Red Light District in Barcelona.
  • Breaking from Impressionism:
    • Picasso challenges the established norms of impressionist artists like Degas.
    • Figures are distorted and fragmented into independent shapes.
    • Geometric forms are incorporated into the painting.

Development of Cubism

  • Picasso's Girl with a Mandolin:
    • An example of analytical cubism where the figure and mandolin are broken down into geometric forms.
    • Challenges the representation of subject matter, possibly commenting on visual perception.
  • Georges Braque's Influence:
    • Inspired by Picasso, Braque became a co-founder of cubism.
    • The competition between Picasso and Braque pushed them to improve and innovate.
  • Braque's House at the L'Estaque (1908):
    • Early cubist work with distortion and fragmentation.
    • Reduced color palette (browns, grays, greens) to emphasize geometry.
    • Does not create an illusion of depth, reinforcing the two-dimensionality of painting.
  • Rejection by the Autumn Salon:
    • Despite being a revolutionary salon, Braque's painting was deemed too radical.
    • Henri Matisse dismissively referred to the painting's "little cubes," coining the term "cubism."

Analytic Cubism

  • Systematic fracturing and rearrangement of image elements.
  • Involves capturing images from multiple angles and reassembling them on canvas.
  • Aims to represent how the brain interprets external stimuli, creating a comprehensive image.
  • Example: Picasso's Ma Jolie (1911):
    • Demonstrates systematic breakdown, balance, and purposefulness.

Synthetic Cubism

  • Combines simple elements to create complex motifs.
  • Incorporates different materials beyond paint.
  • Collage and Assemblage:
    • Techniques involving the assembly of various objects to create a unified composition.
  • Example: Picasso's Still Life with Chair Caning:
    • Uses oil paint, real chair caning, and rope.
    • Synthesizes different materials to generate a complex composition.

Conclusion

  • Cubism: a radical, revolutionary style from studios of Picasso and Braque.
  • The art world began to recognize the profound shift occurring, influencing artists globally.
  • Artists adopted elements of cubism to broaden its scope beyond its originators.
  • Cubism established the foundation for the development of modern art.