Cubism

Cubism can be split into two phases: Analytic and Synthetic. The Analytic phase was between 1907 and 1912. The Synthetic phase was from 1913 through the 1920’s.  The Term “synthetic” refers to a process of building up a composition through the arrangement of freely invented forms; whereas, “analytic” refers to the breaking down of forms into their component parts.

In the Analytic phase, the cubist palette was very limited using black, browns, greys, and off-whites. Additionally, shapes were very geometric and fragmented, being put together from different viewpoints at the same time therefore creating an angular and distorted image. Analytic cubism was thought to be a criticism of traditional art, which limited the subject to a single place and time.

Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968)

One of his most famous works, “Nude Descending a Staircase, No.2” was created in 1912 using oil on canvas. This work was said to be scandalous “since nudes do not look like that”. This was the start of Duchamp’s analytical cubist work; however in 1913 Duchamp withdrew from painting circles due to being disillusioned by the Art Establishment.

At a first glance, I thought this painting was of a brush as the portrayal of movement in the lower legs looks like bristles and the solid effect of the repeated upper legs gives a suggestion of the body and handle of the brush.

 Juan Gris (1887-1927)

Gris was often referred to as the third cubist with Picasso and Braque being the first and second, however of the three he was the most dedicated to the style. His work “Bottles and Knife” was created in 1912 using oil on canvas and is a good example of analytical cubism using limited colours.

I like this image as the black creates a distinct shadow and therefore a realistic 3D effect. The angular lines throughout the image add an element of uncertainty while also creating an idea of depth providing the 3D effect.

 

In the Synthetic phase of cubism, paintings were composed of fewer and simpler forms. Brighter colours were used to a generally more decorative effect and many artists continued to use collage in their compositions.

Picasso (1881-1973)

This work is the last and most elaborate in the series of paintings he did based on his vast mural “Guernica” which portrays the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica. He created “The Weeping Woman” in 1937 using oil on canvas. The woman’s features are based on Picasso’s lover Dora Maar. The colour used in this work is a good example of synthetic cubism.

This image portrays a woman who is literally broken up with grief. This gives the appearance of the subject being disjointed and broken up and to the unsuspecting eye, the “Weeping Woman” (amongst other cubist works), would be quite harsh and shocking. He chose this subject matter to show that emotion and human nature is fragile. The image is constructed like panes of glass where the slightest knock could shatter the person.

 

Georges Braque (1882-1963)

 “The Viaduct at L’Estaque” was created in 1908 using oil on canvas and shows the gradual development of Braque’s independent artistic style before his meeting and joining forces with Picasso, demonstrating his crucial role in the birth of cubism. In this work Braque combines Cézannesque geometrically defined shapes and multiple angles of perspective with examples of his earlier, decorative Fauve style.

I like the brushstrokes in the trees and sky as it adds texture and creates an almost stormy atmosphere.  I think that the arches and shadows in the viaduct create a feeling of depth within the image. I also like the way that the different shades and tones of orange create a sense of warmth within the image.

The Art Establishment...

I think that the “Art Establishment” should allow artists such as Jack Vettriano to be part of their society because, even if some artists use templates or books to help them draw accurate figures, they still need to have the knowledge and skill to apply the paint or other media in order to create an image that the public will admire. The fact that Vettriano makes around £500,000 a year from reproductions of “The Singing Butler”, should tell the “Art Establishment” that they should rethink their attitude towards him and recognise him as a painter and an artist, (as they have previously refused to acknowledge this fact). 

"The Singing Butler" by Jack Vettriano

 I think his paintings are popular because they can give people hope for finding romance - even in a world like ours.

I also believe that popularity does not always mean quality. Popularity/appeal depends on taste – whether or not the viewer is drawn to the style or subject in the image. Quality is more complex to define but would include the technical skill that the artist has used to create the work. Many artists outside the "Art Establishment" would rather sell their work to many people instead of the elite few.

Georges Braque

Georges Braque (1882-1963) created the print “L’Oiseau Bleu et Gris” (The Blue and Grey Bird) in 1962, using lithography on woven paper.

I like the overall simplicity of this image as I think it suggests how simple life can sometimes appear to be from the outside. The blue reminds me of clear blue skies in the summer with birds flying and singing in the warm air. However the white in the bird’s wings has connotations of snow and, mixed with the blue, gives a cold feeling to the image.

The background appears to be in vertical stripes of colour with the bird being made of contrasting colours so that it stands out from the background. The blue and the wavy lines that appear across the bird, create the impression of waves therefore giving a suggestion of it being a sea bird. The pale colour in the wings gives the impression of the wave breaking.

Samuel Palmer

In 1879, Samuel Palmer (1805-1881) used "Etching" to create this print of “The Bellman”.

 

I like the overall dark look of the image, particularly the smoke coming from the chimneys and the moon on the horizon lighting up the sky. I also like the detail in the trees, roofs and the highland cows lying in the foreground. I think the shadow created by the Bellman, on his way through the town to the church, suggests both presence and purpose. I like the way that the clouds are highlighted by the moon rising over the horizon, and how there are also some very dark clouds suggesting the darkness to come. I also think that the fact that the landscape is in greyscale emphasises the shades of night and the light from the rising of the full moon makes it brighter.

 

 

Peter Wray

Peter Wray (b 1950) created “Half Forgotten Voice” using “Carborundum”.

"In recent years, the term "Carborundum Print" seems to have evolved to cover all methods of collagraph printmaking which involve what may be loosely termed as "liquid" materials, i.e., materials which are painted on to the plate or applied in a liquid or semi-liquid form, often with a brush, palette knife or squeegee, as opposed to materials which are cut-out and glued down. Nowadays many so-called carborundum prints do not contain any carborundum at all in their construction, and are composed of other materials, for example, ceramic tile cement, PVA glue, epoxy resins, etc."

“His work over recent years has investigated the concept of the personal ‘journey’, in terms of geography, chronology, narrative and spirituality, and, above and beyond the journey itself, has focused on the notion of the ‘starting-point’ and the ‘journey’s end’ as elements of reflection within his own experience and resulting philosophy. The work, and the activity of making, becomes a vehicle for reflection in its own right, and by its very nature, becomes part of the journey itself.”

 

I think this image gives a feeling of division, separation and fear but also strength and warmth. I found that if you look into the red, buildings or some sort of structure or skyline, can be seen. I like the way that the combination of the street-view, in the red, and the birds-eye-view, in the centre of the image, makes an interesting composition with many possible meanings.