lecture 9 part 1

Introduction to Salon Cubism

• Exploration of artists influenced by cubism, specifically the Salon Cubists.

• Emergence of this movement in Paris around 1910, notably among younger artists.

• Exhibition in 1911 at the Salon des Independence, giving rise to the term "Salon Cubism."

• Artists faced criticism and negative reception from critics.

Key Artists of Salon Cubism

Juan Gris

• Notable work: Fantomas (1915).

• Closely aligned with Picasso and Braque's styles but sought more order.

• Artistic journey began with Art Nouveau illustrations; moved to Paris in 1906.

• Influenced by Picasso after meeting him in 1908, exploring analytic cubism.

• Utilized diagonal grids for organization and vibrant colors, surpassing Picasso and Braque's color usage.

• Experimentation with papier collé began in 1912, leading to oil paintings on canvas.

Analysis of Fantomas

• Composition involves layered elements; the original was a combination of materials with drawing and painting.

• The painting features recognizable objects: a table, bowl of fruit, glass, and a newspaper, showcasing transparency.

• Title references Phantomas, a detective novel, linking themes of trickery and perception in art.

• Connection drawn between visual deception in painting and the narrative deception in the novel.

Marie Blanchard

• Another key Salon Cubist, sharing Spanish heritage with Gris and Picasso.

• Influenced by synthetic cubism; poses a collage-like appearance in her paintings.

• Notable work: Child with a Hoop (1917).

Analysis of Child with a Hoop

• Depicts a child playing with a hoop, featuring angled planes and color patterns.

• Elements of domestic space and childhood play; the use of wallpaper and floor decorations reinforce this theme.

• Includes textual elements, such as "bebe" (baby) and reversed phrasing "yourself behave," raising questions about intent.

Ferdinand Léger

• Notable work: Nude Figures in a Wood (1909-1910).

• Originated from a farmer's family which fostered working-class identity.

• Advocated for art to be accessible; joined the Communist Party in 1945 due to his background.

• Moved to Paris in 1900 to study architecture but transitioned to painting influenced by Cézanne, Picasso, and Braque.

• This work showcases early cubist techniques with human figures presented in mechanized forms, signifying a new modern beauty.

• Artistic focus on mechanization noted, with limited color palette resembling analytic cubism; individuals are less distinguishable amid the chaotic scene.

Conclusion

• The Salon Cubists explored cubism through their unique perspectives, contributing richly to the movement with innovative styles and themes focused on perception, identity, and the influence of mechanization.