Paths to Abstraction 1

1. Paths to Abstraction 1

2. Prior Modern Art Impressionism originated in paris, in late 19th century. This century, in Europe, marked a time of great expansion, invention and technological discovery. Previously, artworks by artists like William-AdolpheBouguereau were considered the acceptable art form by the public, and were admired for their craftsmanship . These paintings were incredibly realistic and often depicted mythical scenes of naked women. The paintings were large and could only be afforded by the people in the higher social ranks, who often exhibited them in their living rooms or Victorian boardrooms to show off their wealth and the sophisticated taste. William-AdolpheBouguereau, The Birth of Venus 1879

3. Impressionism • Impressionism resulted due to multiple changes in art. The work challenged the classical art and thrived for modernity. It was considered revolutionary at the time. For the following reasons: • The artists recorded everyday life, such as the painting by Degas depicts a woman ironing. • It was small and affordable art Edgar Degas, Ironing 1884

4. …Development of the Impressionism • In the 19th century paints were no longer manufactured as powder, but were available in tubes and were therefore much more portable. • The impressionists’ paintings were often fleeting moments. They explored the expressive qualities of light, shadow and colour reflecting from surfaces. For example, Claude Monet painted over 30 paintings of Rouen Cathedral between 1892 and 1893. in the paintings, he was more concerned with the light on the surface of building rather than the object itself. • Since the work was made quickly, the paintings would often possess visible brushstrokes and dabs. This was also because the surface would no longer had to be varnished like the old paints required. Claude Monet, Cathédral de Rouen effet de soleil

5. Photography in the Impressionism • Due to the invention of a camera, many paintings were influenced by photographs. This is depicted in Gustave Caillebotte’s painting ‘Paris Street in Rainy Weather’, where the central figures are depicted as ¾ portraits, demonstrating the device’s framing ability. • The painting also depicts the cameras ability to capture a fleeting moment, which was unknown in the classical art, as the subjects would often be required to pose for long hours. This resulted in paintings often not having central subject (back dog) and achieved a greater depth of field. • Photography also allowed to achieve new perspectives, such as extremely low or high angles, that were exhausting to constantly observe in classical art. Gustave Caillebotte, Paris street in Rainy Weather 1877

6. My thoughts-photography • I like that using photography it is possible to achieve a greater range of angles, such as low and high angles, in the paintings. Images depicting a range of angles of my installations is something that I want to explore.

7. Post impressionism • The term ‘ Post Impressionism’ was invented by the art critic Roger Fry in 1910, who used in to describe the different artists’ reactions to impressionism, which had been criticised for lack of form and structure in the paintings. • the work or style of a varied group of late 19th-century and early 20th-century artists including Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cézanne.

8. Paul Cezanne • Cezanne is said to have formed the bridge between Impressionism and the Post Impressionism, influencing many later artists. • Unsatisfied with the Impressionist dictum that painting is primarily a reflection of visual perception, Cézanne sought to make a new kind of analytical discipline of his artistic practice . He painted his objects through careful observation of a variety of angles, layering the painting in an architectural manner. His paintings therefore lacked an edge and often the objects would seem 2-dimensional. Table, Napkin, and Fruit (A Corner of the Table) (1895-1900)

9. Toulouse Lautrec • Laurec was a little artist who lived a life of decadents and glamour, he painted scenes of Parisian night life which he was a part of. • These influenced his posters that sought Post Impressionism to be used in advertising. He used print making which simplified his paintings even more, making them seem 2 dimensional rather than 3 dimension. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (French, 1864–1901). Jane Avril.

10. Japonisme • In 1860s Japanese began to trade with the west and the style of Japanese woodcuts and prints had an important influence on the post impressionists. • this influenced many of Vincent van Gogh’s art works, resulting in even more simplified and flatter shapes and the use of a different colour palette Flowering Plum Tree (after Hiroshige) (1887) by Vincent Van Gogh

11. Fauvism • ‘Les Fauves’ stands for the wild beasts and the expression was coined by a critic who saw their work. • This was a style rather than a movement which was very short lived. • One of the most influential artist in this movement was Henri Matisse. • The style consisted of flattened 2 dimensional shapes which enhanced expression of colour. It was a riot of colour that did not look finished- hence possessing childish qualities. Portrait of Madame Matisse (Green Stripe), 1905 - Henri Matisse

12. Fauvism-my thoughts • I don’t like the expression of this movement as the colours used often times are bold primary colours lacking in colour contrasts and balance, hence making the paintings appear bright and gaudy. However, it is worth experimenting with bolder, or perhaps more unusual colours in the collages I am making for my ‘relationships project’ as this may cause a seemingly figurative image become an abstract one.