Cubism
Cubism is a style of painting that emerged in the early 20th century in France. It is characterized by its emphasis on geometry, the fragmentation of form, and the use of multiple viewpoints to depict a subject. The movement was a significant departure from the traditional style of painting that was popular at the time, and it had a profound influence on the development of modern art.
Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque developed Cubism through close collaboration. Important sources included Paul Cézanne’s treatment of form and pictorial space; Picasso also drew on Iberian sculpture and works of African art. These influences were varied, rather than a single shared style of fragmentation.
One of the defining features of Cubist painting is the use of geometric shapes to create a sense of fragmentation and multiple perspectives. The artists broke down the subject into its component parts and reassembled them in a way that emphasized their underlying geometric structure. This technique allowed the artists to create a sense of depth and movement in the painting, despite the flattened perspective.
Another key characteristic of Cubist painting is the use of multiple viewpoints to depict a subject. Rather than creating a single, unified image of the subject, the artists used multiple viewpoints to depict different aspects of the subject simultaneously. This approach allowed the artists to create a more comprehensive and dynamic depiction of the subject, and it had a profound influence on the development of modern art.
Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907) is an important precursor to Cubism. His subsequent collaboration with Braque developed the closely interlocking planes and restricted colors associated with Analytic Cubism. The earlier painting should not be described as a joint work by the two artists.
Braque was Cubism’s co-developer, not simply a follower of Picasso. His still lifes explored fractured forms and pictorial space. From 1912, pasted papers and collage helped introduce the approaches associated with Synthetic Cubism, which could use broader shapes, varied textures and brighter color.
In conclusion, Cubism was a significant departure from the traditional style of painting that was popular in the early 20th century. Its emphasis on geometry, fragmentation of form, and multiple viewpoints had a significant impact on the art world. The major contributors to the Cubist style, including Picasso and Braque, continue to be celebrated for their innovative approach to painting and their contributions to the art world.