In the world of art, some movements rise and fall quietly. Others, like a meteor streaking across the sky, burn passionately and leave an indelible mark on all that comes after. Alas, it is the latter that many could argue aptly captures cubism. Often hailed as one of the most revolutionary and influential styles to have ever emerged, cubism boldly discarded traditional perspectives and unfurled new dimensions in visual representation.

 

View our selection of Cubist works.

 

Introduction to Cubism

 

Brief Overview And Definition Of Cubism

What exactly is cubism? The heart of this audacious movement centers around dissecting objects into geometric shapes and then reassembling them from multiple angles onto a flattened canvas. In essence, cubists flung open doors to an artistic revolution by challenging our understanding and perception of form. Originating in Paris during the early 20th century, celebrated artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque are acclaimed pioneers who championed this art style.

Cubist painting asserts that we perceive static images not as frozen moments but dynamic entities oozing with spatial relations and evolving under varying viewpoints - translating this vision onto flat surfaces was a key concern for its practitioners. No wonder why anyone asking "what is a cubist?" would often hear references to shattered glass; concerning visuals at least, that's about how far we've ventured from conventional description.

Significance And Impact Of Cubism In The Art World

Without question, the importance of cubism stretches beyond just an intriguing techne or aesthetic curiosity confined within gallery walls; its arrival signaled seismic shifts in cultural paradigms. Truly grasping 'why is cubism important' requires appreciating how it challenged artistic methodologies while simultaneously fostering innovation.

With its revolutionary approach towards spatial abstraction, fragmentation of objects into numerous interlocking pieces crowned among notable features distinguishing skillful modernists from their predecessors (cubist breaks with prior traditions indeed!). Besides, it heralded a new visual language focusing on geometric forms instead of realistic depictions.

Further amplifying its significance, cubism became an important precursor to numerous other avant-garde art movements. Surrealism, Dadaism, Constructivism - none could escape the undeniable echo of Cubist principles in their evolution. Nor was this impact limited strictly to paintings; cubist influences permeated sculptures and architecture too, forever reshaping our interaction and understanding of the visual world.

 

Juan Gris, Still Life with a Guitar : an example of cubism art
Juan Gris, 'Still Life with a Guitar', 1913 / Bridgeman Images

 

History of Cubism

 

The Emergence of Cubism in the Early 20th Century

As we delve into the evolution and notable nuances of our primary keyword - Cubism, it's pivotal to trace its beginnings. Born out of Paris, Cubism emerged as a defiant art movement in the early 20th century. This time period was originally known as the 'epoch of Picasso' due to his instrumental role in launching this radical style.

The origin of cubism is often linked with Picasso's celebrated painting Les Demoiselles D’Avignon painted in 1907. What set this painting apart was unprecedented; a brusque departure from traditional perspective drawing rules that had governed Western Art for centuries.

Subsequently, an exhibition held in 1908 showcased fellow artist Georges Braque's works, demonstrating similar geometric distortions. Such experimental pieces using multiple perspectives certified these artists as pioneers who marked cubism's onset.

Influences and Predecessors Of Cubism

Understanding what influenced cubism allows us to recalibrate our appreciation for this movement analytically. Interestingly, it did not originate from a vacuum- both external stimuli and preceding styles acted as catalyzing components.

Undeniably, Picasso and Braque drew inspiration from post-impressionist Paul Cézanne’s idea that all nature could be reduced to basic geometric shapes. Moreover, African tribal masks with their starkly abstract designs were another prominent source granting cubist notions about distortion and simplification self-evidence.

Spain's ancient Iberian sculpture also fed intricate roots into the budding ground of early cubistic forms with its blocky representation of human figure.

Key Players And Artists Associated With The Movement

Taking cognizance of who founded cubism underscores its chronicle profoundly beyond Picasso and Braques' partnership. Following them are numerous intellectual kindred spirits including Fernand Leger, Juan Gris, and Marcel Duchamp, who helped evolve cubism into its multifaceted form.

Fernand Leger, a prominent cubist painter, added a mechanistic aspect to Cubism. His take was invariably grounded in modernity; often seen as a tribute to urbanization and technological advancements of the era.

Juan Gris took up cubism's mantle offering his spin by presenting heavily textured yet harmonic compositions saturating them with bright hues diverging from the standard restrained colour palette.

Lastly, debate stirs whether Marcel Duchamp can be neatly labeled a ‘Cubist’. Nevertheless, works like Nude descending a staircase do echo cubism’s fractured way of seeing, although they strike more towards kinetic effect.

These artists illustrate Cubism's ever-flexible identity - reshaped time again by each visionary bearing their unique mark within the genre.

Phases and Styles of Cubism

As we follow the trajectory of the cubist movement, it's easy to see that Cubism was not a static art style. Its dynamism gave birth to several significant phases: Proto-Cubism, Analytical Cubism, Synthetic Cubism, and lastly, Crystal Cubism. Each phase represents a subtle shift in approach—a metamorphosis led by pioneering artists eager to reimagine the world of form and color.

Proto-Cubism: The Prelude to Cubism

Proto-Cubism serves as an insightful preamble to the grand narrative of what is a cubist expression. This term often refers to early works created between 1906 and 1908—works fueled by potent experiments with form and perspective.

Paintings like Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d'Avignon exemplify this era, breaking from established norms with striking use of geometric forms. Yet these artworks didn't fully showcase more radical stylistic tenets emblematic of Cubism; hence they're considered precursors rather than fully-fledged cubist pieces.

Analytic Cubism: Breaking Down Forms and Perspectives

With the dawn of analytic cubism around 1910—the first major phase of this movement—artists such as Picasso and Georges Braque began thoroughly deconstructing objects into abstracted geometric forms. They sought perspectives viewed through prismatic lenses, essentially dismantling traditional depiction methods.

Consequently, their compositions became increasingly fragmented; incorporating multiple viewpoints within one painting—an unprecedented artistic exploration at the time. The austere color palette was also characteristic for this period - monochromatic hues were preferred as they put focus on depicted forms rather than colors themselves.

Synthetic Cubism: Incorporating Collages and Multiple Viewpoints

A distinct shift occurred around 1912 with the advent of synthetic cubism. Here,you will find an increased emphasis on collages accompanied by vibrant colours that marked a departure from the austere palette of the analytic phase.

Artists initiated less of a dissection and more of an assembly, using cut paper fragments to compose their artworks—think newspaper pieces or fabric swatches alongside applied paint. These multiple materials introduced even more dimensions into paintings, augmenting them with tactile, real-world elements.

Crystal Cubism: The Evolution and Refinement of the Style

By 1915, cubist principles had morphed yet again resulting in what historians now call crystal or hermetic cubism. It was named so due its resemblance to crystalline structures with their clear lines and planes.

During this later phase, works by artists like Juan Gris saw compositions becoming cleaner and simpler; forms were well-defined yet abstract and angles appeared sharp and geometric. This period reflects many artists' attempt to purify Cubism’s complexities into sleekly articulated visions—as if distilling all prior stages into the quintessential expression of what influenced cubism's evolution.

Inquiry into these periods doesn't only present a fascinating historical chronology, but also an artistic odyssey celebrating invention over tradition—a journey better experienced than explained. By understanding each evolutionary stage, we enrich our appreciation of this revolutionary art movement—an invaluable study for any follower or observer of Cubist aesthetic values.

 

Pablo Picasso, 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon : an example of cubism art
Pablo Picasso, 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, (1907) / © Succession Picasso/DACS, London 2023 / Bridgeman Images

 

Key Paintings and Artists of Cubism

 

One cannot delve into the history of the cubist movement without acknowledging some key players who contributed immensely to its development. In this section, we'll focus our lens on three towering figures and their remarkable paintings in cubism.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Pablo Picasso

Arguably one of the world's most influential artists, Pablo Picasso was a driving force behind the inception and subsequent evolution of cubism. "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," painted in 1907, serves as an early demonstration of his exploration into what ultimately became known as cubism.

In stark contrast to prior Western art traditions, this painting broke with convention by portraying five nude women with deconstructed bodies, closely tied to African tribal masks. The artwork exhibits striking characteristics of cubism—objects are broken down into geometric shapes and multiple viewpoints are represented simultaneously. Although it stirred controversy initially due to its radical style, many recognized the genius behind "Les Demoiselles," deeming it a cornerstone in modern art history.

Violin and Palette by Georges Braque

Co-founder alongside Picasso of the cubist movement, Georges Braque made profound contributions that further defined and enriched this unique artistic style. His painting "Violin and Palette," executed in 1909 marked a significant breakthrough in analytic cubism.

Braque took apart everyday objects—in this case, a violin—and reassembled them from various perspectives onto a flattened two-dimensional plane within his canvas. The painting uses neutral tones instead of vibrant colors, focusing viewers on the fragmented composition itself rather than making an emotional appeal.

Ma Jolie by Juan Gris

Often overshadowed by his contemporaries Picasso and Braque but equally vital is Juan Gris; he played an instrumental role during synthetic cubism's development—a more colorful branch incorporating collaged materials. Let's explore his renowned piece "Ma Jolie" dated 1914.

Gris's work, whose title translates to "My Pretty girl," presents a play on words within its physical composition—a nod towards his sophistication. Musical notes can be seen scattered amidst vibrant geometric shapes, while the word ma jolie morphs indistinguishably into the canvas—a routine characteristic of synthetic cubism. Gris thus steps further, infusing poetry into his artwork while enriching and pushing the boundaries of traditional cubist techniques.

These three vastly different artists helped shape and reinterpret cubism, each contributing unique facets that evolved the movement far beyond its origin. Consequently, their artworks continue to inspire modern day painters in their diverse approaches to creating new perspectives on canvases.

Influence of Other Art Movements on Cubism

Cubism, as a revolutionary touchstone in art history, was not shaped in isolation. Instead, it adopted the aesthetic temperament of its time while also being ignited by impulses from numerous preceding art movements. A significant portion of its unique character can be attributed to two such influentials: Post-Impressionism and Fauvism.

Post-Impressionism and Its Impact on Early Cubist Techniques

Post-Impressionism burgeoned in France between 1886 and 1905, proposing an innovative approach to hues and strokes that transcended the realism previously favored by Impressionists.

The evident fragmentation of forms in the works of Paul Cezanne—an eminent post-impressionistic mastermind—was hugely impactful on early cubist techniques. His dissecting rudiments infused geometric structure into landscapes—a trailblazing practice that later triggered the birth of what is now known as "cubic art."

Furthermore, Vincent van Gogh's concentrated attention to symbolic colors and shades served as an inspiration to artists delving into the prospects of expressing emotional subtleties using abstract components. It concurrently added another dimension to cubist methods by stimulating the stirring fusion of abstraction with symbolism.

In short, the influence wielded by Post-Impressionism cannot be overstated—it supplanted limitations set upon structure, form, color palette—and directed artists towards exploring non-traditional portrayals.

Fauvism and Its Use of Vibrant Colors in relation to Later Phases of Cubism

Unlike Post-Impressionism's indirect push towards cubist perspectives, Fauvivism—an art movement blossoming concurrently with the initial ante-chamber period of cubist exploration—had a more apparent impact on later phases of Cubism.

Popularly remembered for their use shockingly vibrant colors deployed disengaged from descriptive constraints, Fauves (the beasts) were a cluster of modern artists whose works blazed with unnatural colors and languid brushwork—an attribute that played an instrumental role in the evolution of Synthetic Cubism.

Henri Matisse, a prominent figure within this movement, gave rein to his chromatic intuition premiering vivid contrasts and radical pictorial construction—a blueprint absorbed by cubist maestros like Picasso and Braque. The turbulent Fauvistic palette boosted the burgeoning cubist spirit.

Fauvism also acted as a catalyst for "Cubism color," offering paint tubes shifting away from earthy neutrals while paving the way for brighter color harmonies, which eventually manifested in later styles such as Crystal Cubism.

Hence, even though Post-Impressionism and Fauvism reside on opposite poles—form versus color—they both left a transformative footprint in different phases of Classical Cubist progression thereby fueling its journey into modernity. Their influence proves particularly fascinating because it encompasses the compelling dichotomy at play within Cubism itself—the fusion between structure and freedom; reality and abstraction; monochrome and multicolor beauty.

 

Interpretation and Critique of Cubism

 

When evaluating the 'Interpretation and Critique of Cubism,' it's essential to dissect this arena from two primary standpoints—the time during its initial development, and how it continues to be interpreted today.

Public Reception and Criticism During the Time of Its Development

From its inception around 1907, the cubist movement created a considerable stir in the art sphere. For decades, Western art had clung tightly to realistic depiction and traditional perspectives. The advent of cubism—with its fragmented forms, abstract visions, distortion of reality, and departure from conventional wisdom—sparkled an intense critical debate.

Critics at that time tended to fall into two camps. There were supporters who hailed the movement as groundbreaking—innovative ways of seeing that rightly challenged stagnant perceptions about art. These fans saw Picasso, Braque, Gris, and others as trailblazers carving out a revolutionary path for future generations.

Conversely, there was also considerable backlash against what was viewed by some as an abrupt disruption of revered traditions in painting. To these critics, works like Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon or Braque's Violin and Palette represented a jarring break with expectations—depictions not easily digested nor understood at first glance. This negative critique often originated from conservative stakeholders unwilling to accept these radical shifts.

Importantly though, whether positive or adverse reaction—it cannot be denied cubism evoked passionate responses right from the offset.

Contemporary Interactions and Analysis of Cubist Artworks

Today’s perspective on Cubism is generally more harmonious than during its early phase. It’s widely regarded as one of the most influential artistic paradigms ever introduced—but understanding why still requires insight.

Contemporary interpretations emphasize that Cubism did more than merely 'dissemble items.' It offered equal importance to ‘all facets’ (literally) of the subjects. By breaking free from single-perspective constraints, it emboldened later artists to further explore these dimensions, subsequently influencing future art movements like futurism and constructivism.

Furthermore, the modern analysis also appreciates cubism's potential critique of Western civilization around that period—an era dominated by turbulent changes amid unfolding scientific advancements and societal upheavals.

Additionally today’s critics can perceive more readily how the “geometry” found in Cubist artwork reflects parallels with simultaneous revolutions in science—such as Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. Just as this major scientific game-changer disrupted established frameworks—so too did Cubism on the art scene.

In conclusion, interpretations have certainly evolved over time—from an outright controversial movement to gaining near-universal appreciation for its profound influence on global art.

 

Ossip Zadkine, 'Harlequin and Colombine'  : an example of cubism art
Ossip Zadkine, 'Harlequin and Colombine'  / © Peter Willi / Bridgeman Images

 

Cubist Sculpture and Architecture

Delving into the realms of sculpture and architecture, Cubism carved a unique path. The cubist movement took its revolutionary ideologies beyond painting canvas, revolutionizing how three-dimensional forms were perceived.

 

Exploration of Three-Dimensional Forms in Sculpture During the Cubist Period

 

The early 20th century witnessed Cubism redefine the limitations imposed on sculptural art by traditional western aesthetics. Unlike two-dimensional paintings, sculptures presented an innate advantage to the cubic art style - their inherent three-dimensionality. Hence, it became easier for artists practicing modern cubism to transpose geometric fragments onto physical structures.

Renowned cubists such as Pablo Picasso and Jacques Lipchitz began to experiment aggressively with diverse materials like bronze, iron, stone, wood, and even remnants from daily life. Their innovation fostered a range of qualities that epitomize cube sculptures:

  • Contrasting Textures: Embodied by diverging surfaces across a single object.
  • Subjectivity: Allowing different perspectives based on spatial angles.
  • Abstraction: Distortion or simplification of identifiable forms to construct abstract imagery derived from independent viewpoints.

One fine example is Picasso's renowned "Head of a Woman (Fernande)", created in 1909. His innovative approach jettisoned fully round perspective while incorporating several angles into one static viewpoint - manifesting as groundbreaking examples of cubism in sculpture.

La Maison Cubiste: The Cubist House as an Architectural Example

When discussing the influence of Cubism upon architectural constructs, one cannot overlook ‘La Maison Cubiste’. Dubbed 'Cubist House,' this avant-garde architectural wonder was designed by Raymond Duchamp-Villon in 1912 during the Autumn Salon exhibition.

Critically acclaimed for breaking away from stereotypical architectural norms prevalent during that time period, Duchamp-Villon strode forward with audacious concepts inspired by cubism. La Maison Cubiste is characterized by interweaving, abstract cubic and cylindrical segments, distinguishing it as an architectural marvel of sorts.

Beyond mere aesthetics, Duchamp-Villon advanced the idea of a "total work of art." through this work - integrating architecture, decorative arts, and interior design into one harmonious expression of modernity. His trailblazing efforts reshaped the limitations in structural design, simultaneously bolstering cubist principles' adaptability to three-dimensional physical structures.

All in all, the unique exploration of three dimensional forms found its way through sculptural works and architectural designs during the cubist period. It’s safe to say that these explorations represent much more than stylistic experiments; they marked a paradigm shift in how space and form were perceived henceforth. Each masterpiece reinforced another step away from traditional presumptions around sculpture and architecture – structuring a new path for their future development.

 

Legacy and Evolution of Cubism

 

The Impact of Cubism on Future Art Movements and Artists

Cubism, regarded as one of the most influential movements in art history, changed the course of visualization not just for its era but far into the future. It splintered one-dimensional perspective into a multitude of viewpoints, thereby challenging conventional norms of visual reality.

Arguably no other movement has had such an impactful influence on subsequent modern art forms like Constructivism and Futurism. Notably, it set a sturdy foundation for the abstract styles that emerged later in the 20th century.

Following are a few examples demonstrating how profoundly artists were influenced by this cubist movement:

  1. Profound Infuence on Surrealism: Salvador Dali’s notable works drew from cubist techniques to mix dreams, hallucinations with tangible reality.
  2. Influence on Abstract Expressionists: Jackson Pollock's drip painting pattern displays distinct echoes of cubist layering.
  3. Boost to Non-Western arts: Braving criticisms, Picasso initiated a trend leading European painters to explore African tribal sculptures in search of fresh inspiration.

Thus, responding to "why is cubism important", I would argue that this new language in arts provided much-needed liberation from traditional aesthetic confines, empowering artists with endless potentialities for bold self-expression.

Continuation of Cubist Principles

Fascinatingly enough, even when other art trends waxed or waned through time, principles built by initial pioneers like Picasso or Braque continued echoing within artistic circles. A clear indication that even after a full century since it was devised; cubism never really left our cultural radar.

When tracing 'who founded cubism’ back to its roots we see elements like simplified geometric forms or multiple changing perspectives which resonated within works of later generation artists such as David Hockney or Roy Lichtenstein – famous exponents belonging to the British Pop Art era. These artists have adapted cubist vision in suitably modern context, blending it seamlessly with contemporary modes of representation.

Moreover, trend of Cubism is discernible within multi-dimensional design techniques now prevalent across multiple field – from sculpture and architecture to fashion designs and digital animations. All these instances attest that cubism traditions continue influencing artistic endeavours right into the twenty-first century.

In essence, today’s art movements owe their dynamism and flexibility immensely to the brave new perspectives introduced by Cubists decades back. Even though times have changed drastically since that ground-breaking inception of cubism, its magic impact still lingers powerfully shaping our visual narratives.

 

Exploring Cubism in Other Fields

 

Beyond the confines of visual art, cubism had profound impacts on various human endeavours. Today, we delve into its far-reaching realms through literature and poetry, fashion and design. By drawing connections from these diverse domains to cubism, your understanding of what influences cubism can grow beyond its historical placement as a mere art movement.

Cubism's influence on Literature and Poetry

One might wonder how an art style centred around geometric dislocation could find its way into literature and poetry—the truth is fascinatingly simple.

Cubist painters shattered the conventional norms of perspective and representation in their works. Likewise, writers influenced by the cubist movement began to fracture traditional narratives — crafting a non-linear approach that depicted multiple perspectives simultaneously. This act mirrors the techniques implemented by artists such as Picasso whose art style name remains deeply associated with cubism.

Two literary movements profoundly affected by these principles were modernism and symbolism—both favoured ambiguous narratives that alluded to several meanings at once. Some great examples include the work of Guillaume Apollinaire who created calligrams - text or poem in a shape related to its content -, thus interweaving visuals with words.

Similarly, Gertrude Stein's 'Tender Buttons' exhibits typical characteristics of cubism, not merely mirroring it but integrating cubic art tendencies into written form—fragmenting common objects' descriptions in ways reminiscent of a Cubist painting.

Cubist-inspired Fashion and Design

When one thinks about what influenced Cubism, few would consider answering with "It was fashion." Yet today's trending styles owe much to this innovative movement. Cubist themes swiftly spread beyond canvases onto clothing material shortly after the emergence of the trend. The drastically geometrical forms characteristic for cubic art penetrated textile patterns during the twentieth century, propelling fabric design towards abstract motifs. This aura is still palpable among certain designs featured on modern fashion runways.

Cubist elements have also left a lasting impact on furniture and product design. The movement's audacious explorations of form, space, and structure resonated deeply with forward-thinking designers, seen in the angulated structures of masterpiece chairs, tables and lamps. In essence, cubist principles played a pivotal role in pushing towards functionalism—a directive that heavily influenced the later development of modernist architecture.

So next time you see an oddly-shaped chair or wear a geometrically patterned dress—remember to tip your hat to Cubism!

 

Gallery of Cubist Artworks

 

Walking through an imaginary gallery, let's pause to admire the notable works of cubism art movement. Facts wouldn't complete our understanding without appreciating these pieces that haunt us with their vivid expressions and innovative techniques.

Showcasing Notable Cubist Paintings and Sculptures

Let's begin by connecting visual cues with concepts through a list of exceptional paintings and sculptures from this revolutionary era:

  1. Pablo Picasso: 'Les Demoiselles d’Avignon' is possibly the most celebrated painting in the history of Cubism. It reconstructs five nude women into a composition of multiple disjointed perspectives.
  2. Georges Braque: 'Violin and Palette,' carries analytical cubism into another dimension with its interplay between two-dimensional surface planes and three-dimensional form. It thrusts viewers into an active engagement with space and reality.
  3. Juan Gris: Recognized as one of the few painters who implemented synthetic cubism into his work, his masterpiece 'Ma Jolie' puts together fragmented objects on different spatial planes.
  4. Alexander Archipenko: This pioneer sculptor presented amorphous forms like 'Woman Combing Her Hair', rejecting traditional studies of volume while embracing voids as positive spaces.

Observers might wonder what influenced cubism to break earlier traditions in Western art so distinctively? The answers lie within each piece - they showcase unusual perspectives mimicking our active gaze, a contrast to passive viewing encouraged by previous art styles.

Discussing Their Unique Features & Contributions to The Movement

Each artwork was not merely just cubist; it actively shaped what being "cubist" meant and stretched the boundaries of how we perceive reality.

Picasso’s evocative Les Demoiselles d’Avignon walked us through disassembled human forms onto multiple viewpoints without natural light sources or shadows, throwing convention out of the window.

Similarly, Braque's Violin and Palette demonstrated that art could present multiple simultaneous views, a refreshing stance from traditional one-perspective paintings.

Meanwhile, the harmony of color and form in Gris’ Ma Jolie brings us into the world of synthetic Cubism. Collage elements intersperse with the rest of the painting, pushing viewers to question what they were seeing versus what they understood.

The sculptures like Archipenko's embraces emptiness as an element—reversing century-old perceptions by considering voids as positive volumes rather than negative spaces.

Indeed, modern cubism had enormous contributions to widening perspectives. These art pieces signaled not just experiments but also hinted at future developments in artistic imagination and representation. The transition from analyzing reality to recomposing it trailed a path for later movements like surrealism and pop art, marking Cubism's legacy well beyond its time period.

In essence, this gallery is more than just an exhibition - it captures the origin of cubism till it blooms into maturity over varied styles, techniques, and experiments. Without doubt: these artworks reflect why Cubism stands as such a crucial pivot point in Art's unwieldy history.

 

Jean Metzinger, Woman with Grapes,  : an example of cubism art
Jean Metzinger, Woman with Grapes, (1916-17) / Museum of Fine Arts, Houston / Gift of Alice C. Simkins in memory of Alice N. Hanszen / Bridgeman Images


Conclusion

Summarizing the Key Points and Contributions of Cubism

Stepping back to appreciate the grandeur that defines Cubism, we get a clear picture of why this art movement is recognized as one of the most significant shifts in artistic vision. Known for its revolutionary role in Western art progress, Cubism bid goodbye to traditional forms and welcomed multiple perspectives on a single plane – a hallmark characteristic of cubism.

Introduced by legendary artists like Picasso and Braque, the cubist movement underwent several evolutionary phases, including Proto-Cubism, Analytic Cubism, Synthetic Cubism, and Crystal Cubism. Each phase brought about distinct features and innovations that consequently added layers to what influenced cubism.

Important works such as "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" by Pablo Picasso or "Violin and Palette" by Georges Braque showcase brilliant application of Cubist principles. Through these masterpieces, I believe they firmly embed themselves in history as prominent contributors to the origin of cubism.

The Lasting Impact And Relevance Of Cubism In Contemporary Art

The influence of cubism didn't just vanish after the early 20th century; its principles continue to manifest across various disciplines today. Modern cubists are continually inspired by their preceptors while creating contemporary art with equal vigour and unparalleled imagination.

Unlike many other art movements which had their period of limelight then faded into oblivion, Cubist ideas have proven resilient over time. Its relevance remains echoed not only within modern visual arts but also extends into domains like fashion design, architecture, literature – reflecting how deeply ingrained it is in our cultural fabric.

Taking lessons from 'cubic art', designers are working with these concepts even today – an evident mark left by Cubist pioneers on our collective artistic expression. What was initially perceived as audacious has now become an integral part of various art forms - giving testimony to its enduring allure.

Therefore, while Cubism may have emerged over a century ago, it invariably continues to provoke thought and inspire creators. It stands as a testament to an era where art was free from the bonds of tradition – paving the way for creative experimentation that forever changed the course of artistic exploration.

 

View our selection of Cubist works.

 

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