A presentation by Joy Velasco. What is it? The first of the avant-garde movements A break away from two things: 1. the realistic, representational.

FAUVISM AND SYMBOLISM

A presentation by Joy Velasco

FAUVISMWhat is it? The first of the avant-garde movements A break away from two things: 1. the realistic, representational colors

and style of Impressionism2. “traditional” views of perception

As an art style: 1900 to well beyond 1910 As an art movement: from 1904-1908. It was very short! Emerged first in France. Henri Matisse was the leader of the “les

fauves”, AKA ‘the wild beasts’. They can’t be tamed During this time, Imperialism was booming and tensions leading up to

the Great War pulled on Europe at the time. Goal: express emotion via color with no strict rules to adhere to. Focus

more on expression; details shouldn’t be prioritized

Charing Cross Bridge, London by Andre Derain

“What I dream of is an art of expression…The essential thing is to spring forth, to express the bolt of lightning one senses

upon contact with a thing. The function of the artist is not to translate an observation but to express the shock of the object on his nature; the shock, with the original

reaction.”

Well said, Henri Matisse.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FAUVISM Bright colors which sometimes clash Painterly quality—visible brushstrokes and thick dabs of

paint Simple shapes, little emphasis on detail Unlike fantastic imagery of post-Impressionism, it often

features traditional subjects like landscapes and cityscapes

The Trees by Andre Derain

Green Stripe, Henri Matisse

The River Seine at Chatou, Maurice de Vlaminck

Woman with a Hat, Henri Matisse

• Late 19th century and early 20th century, 1885-1910• French, Russian, and Belgian origins• Originally a literary movement, inspired by literature and

poetry of the time, such as Charles Baudelaire’s “the Flowers of Evil”

• Seen as a continuation of Romanticism and precursor to Modernism

• Reaction to literal depiction of subjects (like Impressionism), favors more mysterious, evocative works

• Goals: 1. present ideas in symbolic ways, through color and form 2. make the invisible world visible to viewers; not a representation, but more of an embodiment of it

SYMBOLISM

SYMBOLISM

The Cyclops By Odilon Redon

Portrays Cyclops As a nonthreateningCreature keepingwatch over Galatea

CHARACTERISTICS OF SYMBOLISM

Themes of mysticism, love, death Symbolism/metaphors everywhere! Wide variety of subjects No one concrete style or ‘look’

to them Works intentionally made obscure,So viewers draw their own conclusions

Ida Reading a Letter by Vilhelm Hammershoi

(Loneliness)

The Wounded Angel by Hugo Simberg The artist urges viewers to self-interpret.Perhaps it is ideality hurt by reality.May also reflect on the artist’s personal struggle with meningitis.

Vase with FaceBy Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat(Dreaming)

The KissBy Gustav Klimt(Love, intimacy)