Fauvism

Matisse-Woman-with-a-Hat

Fauvism is an art movement that flourished in France at the beginning of the 20th century. Fauvist artists, known as "Fauves" (French for "wild beasts"), emphasized painterly qualities and strong color over the representational or realistic values retained by Impressionism. The leaders of the movement were Henri Matisse and André Derain, whose works exemplified the Fauvist style with their bold, shocking color choices and brushwork. The movement was short-lived, lasting only a few years from around 1904 to 1910, but its impact on the development of modern art was significant.

Characteristics

Fauvism is characterized by its use of intense, vivid colors applied in a manner that disregards the subject's natural colors. Fauvist paintings often feature flat, non-dimensional spaces, with color being used to create a dynamic composition rather than to depict the natural world accurately. The brushwork is typically loose and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of spontaneity and emotion in Fauvist works.

History

The term "Fauvism" was first used in 1905 at the Salon d'Automne in Paris, where the paintings of Matisse, Derain, and their circle were exhibited. The critic Louis Vauxcelles saw their work and called them "Les Fauves" (the wild beasts) due to the shock of their non-naturalistic colors and the boldness of their execution. Despite the initial criticism, the Fauves continued to exhibit together until 1908, after which they began to diverge in style.

Influence and Legacy

Although Fauvism was a relatively short-lived movement, it had a profound impact on the development of 20th-century art. It represented a radical departure from traditional composition and technique, paving the way for future movements such as Cubism and Expressionism. Fauvism's emphasis on color and individual expression influenced generations of artists, including the German Expressionists and the American Abstract Expressionists.

Notable Artists

• Henri Matisse - Often regarded as the leader of the Fauvist movement, Matisse's work is characterized by its vibrant colors and fluid draughtsmanship.
• André Derain - Alongside Matisse, Derain was a key figure in Fauvism, known for his bold use of color and innovative compositions.
• Maurice de Vlaminck - Another prominent Fauve, Vlaminck's work is noted for its intense color and expressive brushwork.
• Raoul Dufy - Although more loosely associated with Fauvism, Dufy's early work was influenced by the movement, and he maintained an intense color palette throughout his career.

See Also

• Modern art
• Expressionism
• Cubism