This blog is a part of thinking activity.
- Assigned by Megha ma'am.
Write detailed notes on any three questions :
1)Expressionism - (Add your class activity works - Painting, Poem, Photo )
2)Surrealism - (Add your class activity works - Painting, Poem, Photo )
3)Modernism and Postmodernism
4)Dada Movement - (Add your class activity works - Painting, Poem, Photo )
5) Avant-garde Movement
Expressionism
∆ What is Expressionism ?
- Expressionism is a movement starting in the early 20th century, which united a range of artistic mediums from prose, drama, poetry, art, painting, film, and music. Expressionism is characterised by a distorted style and form which is highly subjective and abandons conventional narrative and meter.
Expressionism is also characterised by themes of disillusion, disorientation and alienation. The movement is heavily influenced by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche and the desire to intensify and enhance the experience of life.
∆ History of expressionism :-
1. Early Origins: Expressionism in painting can be traced back to as early as 1850 when the term was first used to describe artworks characterized by strong emotions.
2. Die Brücke: In 1905, four German architecture students founded Die Brücke (the Bridge) in Dresden, considered a precursor to Expressionism, emphasizing emotional intensity and individualism in art.
3. Der Blaue Reiter: Established in 1911 in Munich, Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) further popularized Expressionism, with artists like Wassily Kandinsky exploring abstract forms and spiritual themes.
4. Expansion to Other Art Forms: Expressionism transcended painting, influencing playwrights, poets, directors, and musicians who adopted Expressionist techniques to evoke raw emotions and inner turmoil.
5. Geographical Spread: While German Expressionism is prominent, the movement extended to writers in Austria, Russia, France, and the United States, reflecting its global impact and resonance across various cultural landscapes.
∆ Historical context :-
- Societal and Political Context: Expressionism emerged during a period of significant societal and political upheaval, particularly influenced by the Industrial Revolution's mechanization and industrialization.
- Role of Industry and Machines: Expressionist texts often feature industry and machines as central motifs, reflecting the dehumanizing impact of modernization. Examples include Georg Kaiser's Gas trilogy and Fritz Lang's film Metropolis.
- Impact of World War I: The outbreak of World War I both horrified and inspired Expressionist artists. Some members of Der Blaue Reiter lost their lives in the war, while others depicted the horrors of mass death and destruction in their works.
- Disillusionment and Despair: World War One shattered the optimism of progress and technological advancement, leading to a sense of disillusionment in society. Expressionist texts portray a modern society disillusioned by the chaos and destruction of war, challenging traditional values and beliefs.
- Reflection of Modern Society: Expressionism presented a portrayal of a modern society grappling with existential despair, questioning the meaning and direction of human existence in the face of unprecedented turmoil and upheaval.
∆ Influence of Friedrich Nietzsche :-
The philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche profoundly influenced the Expressionist movement.
In Thus Spake Zarathustra (1885), Nietzsche famously declared that 'God is dead!' Namely, humans have killed God by no longer believing in him, yet we have removed any real sense of meaning in our lives. Rather than seeking external sources of meaning, such as God or money, Nietzsche proposed the concept of the Übermensch: "Beyond Human".
• Defination :- The Übermensch is an enlightened individual who can tear away the shackles of societal expectations to design a new life brimming with human vitality. To become an Übermensch, one must break free from all socially constructed ideals and design a life that fully fulfils one's desires.
∆ Expressionism characteristics :-
Here are some characteristics of Expressionism:
1. Distortion and Exaggeration: Forms, colors, and compositions are often distorted or exaggerated to convey the artist's subjective experience and emotional response to the subject matter.
2. Subjectivity and Individualism: Expressionism prioritizes the individual's subjective experience over objective reality, focusing on personal feelings, perceptions, and interpretations.
3. Symbolism and Metaphor: Symbolic imagery and metaphorical elements are frequently employed to convey deeper layers of meaning and evoke emotional responses from the audience.
4. Bold Use of Color: Expressionist artists utilize bold and vibrant colors to express mood, atmosphere, and emotion, often employing non-naturalistic color palettes to heighten the intensity of the work.
5. Visible Brushwork and Texture: Brushstrokes and texture are often emphasized, adding to the visceral and raw quality of Expressionist paintings, prints, and other artworks.
∆ Types of expressionism :-
Expressionism was a movement spanning multiple mediums involving poetry, drama, prose, art, music, and film. Below, we will look at the mediums of theatre, film, and poetry.
1) Expressionist theatre :-
Expressionist theatre is characterised by:
~The episodic structure of stations
~Jagged and dynamic set and stage design
~Frequent monologues and soliloquies reveal the workings of the mind
~Highly stylised and dramatic costume and makeup
~Regular use of exclamation marks and short sentences.
2) Expressionist film :-
In the new and exciting medium of the early 20th century, directors soon took the Expressionist techniques from drama to film. The burgeoning film culture in Germany at the time, which rivalled Hollywood, led to an incredible array of Expressionist films.
Example :- Fritz Lang's early films are significantly Expressionistic, such as Metropolis (1927) and M (1931).
3) Expressionist poetry :-
Characteristics of Expressionist poetry include:
~ Ecstatic lyricism
~Lack of clear meter or form
~Telegram style
~Condensed poetry with strings of nouns and verbs
~Removal of all superfluous descriptions as they wanted to present feeling in its purest form.
Example :- Key Expressionist poets include Georg Trakl, Franz Werfel and Else Lasker-Schüler.
∆ Importance of expressionism :-
Expressionism marked a radical shift in expression. As one of the leading modernist movements, Expressionism paved the way for other literary movements such as The Theatre of the Absurd.
Expressionism also hugely influenced Epic Theatre, a concept proposed by Bertolt Brecht. In fact, Bertolt Brecht’s early plays were Expressionist. Expressionism wanted to ignite renewal, which Epic Theatre drew upon. As the latter more explicitly wished to change the audience and society through didactic elements. Both also use the abstraction of characters.
Defination :- Epic Theatre is a didactic drama that clearly shows the workings of the theatre to remind the audience they are in a play. This encourages logical thinking and a better understanding of the didactic moral.
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Introduction :-
Surrealism stands out as a beacon of unconventionality and imagination. Born out of the ashes of World War I and the societal upheavals of the early 20th century, Surrealism emerged as a revolutionary force, challenging conventional artistic norms and delving into the depths of the subconscious mind.
∆ Origins of Surrealism :-
Surrealism was officially founded in the 1920s by the French writer André Breton. Drawing inspiration from the ideas of Sigmund Freud, particularly the concept of the unconscious mind and dream analysis, Breton sought to liberate the creative process from rational constraints. He believed that by tapping into the subconscious, artists could access a deeper truth and express the complexities of human experience in a way that transcended traditional artistic boundaries.
∆ Principles of Surrealism :-
At its core, Surrealism is characterized by its rejection of logic and reason in favor of the irrational and the subconscious. Surrealist artists sought to create works that defied rational interpretation, often combining seemingly unrelated elements to evoke a sense of dreamlike strangeness.
• Key principles of Surrealism include:
1. Automatism: Surrealist artists embraced techniques such as automatic writing and drawing, allowing the unconscious mind to guide their creative process. This spontaneous approach resulted in artworks that were filled with unexpected juxtapositions and surreal imagery.
2. Juxtaposition: Surrealism thrives on the juxtaposition of disparate elements – the merging of the familiar with the unfamiliar, the ordinary with the extraordinary. This technique creates a sense of disorientation and invites viewers to question their perceptions of reality.
3. Dream Imagery:Dreams and the subconscious were recurring motifs in Surrealist art. Artists drew inspiration from their own dreams and fantasies, often incorporating surreal and symbolic imagery to explore the depths of the human psyche.
∆ Prominent Surrealist Artists :-
Surrealism attracted a diverse array of artists, each bringing their unique perspectives and techniques to the movement.
• Some of the most influential figures in Surrealism include:
1. Salvador Dalí: Known for his eccentric personality and flamboyant style, Dalí was one of the most recognizable figures of Surrealism. His paintings, such as "The Persistence of Memory," are filled with melting clocks, distorted figures, and bizarre landscapes that challenge the viewer's perception of reality.
2. René Magritte: Renowned for his enigmatic and thought-provoking imagery, Magritte's work often explores the relationship between words and images, reality and illusion. His painting "The Treachery of Images," featuring a pipe accompanied by the words "This is not a pipe," is a quintessential example of Surrealist irony.
3. Joan Miró: Miró's playful and childlike aesthetic captured the whimsical spirit of Surrealism. His paintings often feature organic forms, vibrant colors, and abstract shapes that evoke a sense of joy and wonder.
∆ Legacy of Surrealism :-
Though Surrealism officially ended as a cohesive movement in the mid-20th century, its influence continues to resonate in the world of art and culture. Surrealist techniques have been adopted by artists across various mediums, from literature and film to fashion and advertising. The legacy of Surrealism can be seen in the works of contemporary artists who continue to push the boundaries of imagination and creativity.
Conclusion :-
Surrealism remains a testament to the power of the human imagination and its ability to transcend the constraints of reality. By challenging our perceptions and inviting us to explore the depths of the subconscious, Surrealism invites us to question the nature of existence and embrace the mysteries of the unknown.
∆ What Is Dadaism?
Dada was an artistic and literary movement in Europe and the United States that began in the early twentieth century during the cultural and social upheaval following the first World War. Dadaism mocked and antagonized the conventions of art itself, emphasizing the illogical, irrational, and absurd.
Dadaist artists often utilized collage, montage, and assemblage of disparate elements to create their art. These artists often had left-wing political views and created work that questioned every aspect of society and culture.
∆ A Brief History of Dada movment :-
Beginning with a group of artists working in Zurich, Switzerland, Dadaism quickly became an international movement that spread throughout Europe and the U.S., with centers in Paris, Cologne, Berlin, and New York City. The art, poetry, and performances created by Dadaist artists had a lasting impact on avant-garde art in Europe.
The new ways of thinking and creating promoted by Dadaism influenced Surrealism and countless other conceptual art movements like Fluxus and Pop Art.
∆ Here is a brief overview of the origins of Dadaism:
(1) Early influences :-
1. Dadaism's Influence : Dadaism was influenced by various European artistic movements, notably Cubism and Futurism.
2. Marcel Duchamp: Marcel Duchamp, a French sculptor, was one of the pioneering figures associated with the Dada movement.
3. Concept of "Anti-Art": Duchamp introduced the term "anti-art" in the early 1910s to describe his artistic approach.
4. Readymades: Duchamp's "readymades" were prefabricated, mass-produced objects that he presented in gallery settings as art.
5. Questioning Art's Nature: Duchamp's use of readymades aimed to challenge the elitist nature of traditional art by questioning what could be considered art.
(2) World War I displacement:
1. European Artists Seek Neutrality: During World War I, numerous European artists sought refuge in neutral cities like Zurich, Switzerland, to escape the turmoil of the war.
2. Creative Community in Zurich: Zurich became a hub for these artists, providing a sense of community and freedom to explore radical ideas.
3. Dissident and Experimental Art: The artists' work during this time became increasingly dissident, experimental, and radical as they responded to the chaos of the war.
4. Hugo Ball and the Cabaret Voltaire: Poet Hugo Ball opened the Cabaret Voltaire in 1916, providing a venue for artists to showcase spoken-word poetry, performance art, and other avant-garde works.
5. Haven for Provocative Shows: The Cabaret Voltaire served as a sanctuary for artists to express themselves through provocative and unconventional performances, challenging societal norms and expectations.
(3) Coining the term “Dada”:
1. Origin of the Word "Dada": The origin of the word "Dada" is disputed, but it is commonly traced back to a night at the Cabaret Voltaire.
2. Richard Huelsenbeck and Hugo Ball: Artist Richard Huelsenbeck and writer Hugo Ball randomly selected the word "dada" from a French-German dictionary.
3. Meaning of "Dada": In Romanian, "dada" means "yes yes," while in French it can refer to a "rocking horse" or "hobbyhorse."
4. Nonsense Appeal: Huelsenbeck and Ball were drawn to the nonsensical nature of the word "dada" and its potential for describing their absurdist art.
5. Use in Describing Art: "Dada" became the term used to describe the absurdist art created by Huelsenbeck, Ball, and their contemporaries like Tristan Tzara, Jean Arp, and Marcel Janco.
∆ Characteristics of Dada movment :-
Dadaism eschewed the classical rules of art and defied conventions, but there are several recognizable characteristics of Dada art.
1. Made from found objects: Dada artists often incorporated found objects or images from mass media into their art through collages and readymades. The artist Marcel Duchamp famously created Dadaist readymade sculptures by manipulating found, prefabricated objects in a simple way, then presenting them in a gallery as art. Artist Hannah Hoch is famous for her use of collage. She pioneered photomontage, in which elements of different photos are pasted together to create a new image.
2. Nonsensical: Dadaist art often features irrationality, humor, and silliness. Marcel Duchamp famously painted a mustache on a postcard of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to show his irreverence for established artistic traditions and his sense of humor.
3. Spontaneous: Dadaist art was often spontaneous, playing with the elements of chance and encouraging spur-of-the-moment creativity. At Dada shows, poems would be created by cutting words out of a single sheet of newspaper, scattering them on the ground, and then randomly organizing them onto a page.
∆ Famous Dadaist Artists :-
Here are five famous artists who were prominent in the Dada movement.
1. Francis Picabia: Picabia was a French printmaker and painter who often created spontaneous conceptual works. In his Dadaist self-portrait Tableau Rastrada, he collaged elements from found media to create an image depicting himself as a social-climbing playboy.
2. Hannah Hoch: Hannah Hoch was a German photographer and artist known for collages and photomontages. Her 1919 collage Cut with the Kitchen Knife Dada through the Beer-Belly of the Weimar Republic is a series of disparate images cut from mass media to create a piece of art critiquing the Weimar German Government.
3. Hugo Ball: Poet and author Hugo Ball was one of the founding members of the Dada movement. Ball opened the Café Voltaire—a Dadaist haven—and allegedly gave the movement its name.
4. Man Ray: Man Ray was a Surrealist and Dadaist photographer famous for manipulating his photographs to create strange and surreal compositions. He lived and worked in Paris in the 1920s, and his work was exhibited in the first Surrealist exhibition. One of his most famous photos is Ingres’s Violin, which shows a seated nude woman pictured from behind with the F-holes of a violin superimposed on her back.
5. Marcel Duchamp: French artist Marcel Duchamp began his career in Paris in the 1910s and fled to America following World War I. Duchamp was most famous for creating the first readymade sculptures, including the 1913 sculpture Bicycle Wheel—a bicycle wheel mounted upside down on a three-legged stool—and the 1917 sculpture Fountain—a urinal turned upside-down and mounted on a pedestal.
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