Cubism

Cubism represented a revolutionary approach to visual representation, going against the conventional methods of depicting three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional plane. This movement was initially met with scepticism and confusion, but it quickly gained momentum as it offered a new way of seeing that broke away from the literal interpretation of subjects.

The early works of Cubism, often referred to as Analytic Cubism, involved the deconstruction and reassembling of objects into abstracted, geometric forms. This novel technique was a response to the fast-changing urban and industrial landscapes of the time, seeking to capture the essence of the subject through multiple viewpoints simultaneously.

One of the key events that marked the formal establishment of Cubism was the 1907 exhibition of Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, which introduced a radical new style that broke away from traditional figurative painting. The painting's fragmented forms and the merging of background and foreground space signalled the birth of a new language.

Cubism, emerging in the early 20th century, fundamentally challenged the traditional norms of art, heralding a transformative approach to visual representation. Originating in France and pioneered by visionaries like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Cubism represented a groundbreaking shift, dismantling the conventional perspective in art. Its philosophy centred around viewing subjects from multiple angles simultaneously, thereby defying the single viewpoint that had dominated painting for centuries.

The Cubists broke away from the need to portray the world as it appears, opting instead for an abstracted, fragmented representation. They were inspired by a desire to delve deeper into the essence of objects, exploring their form and structure. This movement marked a significant departure from the realistic depictions of the past, embracing a more analytical approach to art.

A seminal work in the Cubist movement is Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon. This painting is a striking example of Cubism's signature style, featuring distorted figures and dislocated perspectives that challenge the viewer's perception. The artwork's fragmented geometry and the radical departure from traditional form exemplify the core principles of Cubism, setting a new course for modern art.

Some of the most famous Minimalism artists include Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Juan Gris, and Fernand Léger.

Braque’s groundbreaking Cubist paintings, such as the iconic Violin and Palette, represented a radical departure from traditional artistic conventions. Braque, along with Pablo Picasso, co-founded Cubism, which revolutionised the art world by deconstructing objects and subjects into geometric forms and fractured perspectives. Braque's work centred on the pure essence of form and structure, breaking free from conventional narratives or representational constraints. His exploration in Cubism extended beyond painting, with innovative forays into sculpture and collage. Braque's contributions reshaped the art movement, firmly establishing him as a visionary who redefined the boundaries of artistic expression and interaction with the audience.

The key stylistic feature of Cubism is the fragmentation and reconstruction of objects into abstract, geometric forms. This technique creates a disjointed depiction of the subject, altering the viewer’s perception of space and form. Cubists often used a muted colour palette, focusing more on the structure rather than colour to convey meaning.

Cubism can be divided into two phases: Analytic Cubism and Synthetic Cubism. Analytic Cubism, the movement's early phase, involved dissecting objects into a multitude of small facets and planes. These works often appear monochromatic and highly abstracted, emphasising the underlying structure of the forms.

Synthetic Cubism, its later phase, introduced brighter colours and the use of collage elements and mixed media. This approach was less about breaking down objects and more about building them up, often incorporating newspaper clippings, fragments of music scores, and other materials to create new, composite realities.

Cubism's legacy continues to profoundly influence contemporary art, evident in the works of artists like David Hockney. Hockney's experimentation with perspective and fragmentation, particularly in works like Red Celia, highlights the Cubist approach to multiple viewpoints and reality's deconstruction. His creation of joiners, collaging photographs to create a multifaceted view, can be seen as a direct evolution of Cubist principles.

Sarah Morris, in her exploration of urban and bureaucratic structures, employs a style reminiscent of Cubist fragmentation and abstraction. Her paintings and films dissect and reassemble forms and spaces, echoing the Cubist fascination with the complexity of visual perception.