Major Art Styles: An Overview
Impressionism
Impressionism revolutionised painting by capturing light and momentary effects.
- Originated in France during the late 19th century with artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
- Focuses on the effects of light and atmosphere using loose brushwork and vibrant colours.
- Emphasised modern life, often portraying outdoor scenes and leisure activities.
- Key work: Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" is from which the name derives.
Surrealism
Surrealism explores the unconscious mind, blending reality with dream-like imagery.
- Emerging in the 1920s, it featured artists like Salvador Dal and Rene Magritte.
- Characterised by bizarre, illogical scenes and the juxtaposition of ordinary objects.
- Aimed to challenge accepted norms and reveal hidden desires and fears.
- Notable piece: Dal's "The Persistence of Memory" features melting clocks symbolising time's fluidity.
Cubism
Cubism fragmented subjects into geometric forms, providing multiple viewpoints simultaneously.
- Developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque in the early 20th century.
- Innovated the representation of space, breaking from traditional perspective.
- Two phases: Analytic Cubism focused on deconstructing form, while Synthetic Cubism introduced collage elements.
- Significant artwork: Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" revolutionised modern art with its abstract style.
Conclusion
Each art style encapsulates distinctive cultural and historical contexts, providing insights into social dynamics, individual expression, and evolving aesthetics.
