Futurism

Gino Severini, 1912, Dynamic Hieroglyphic of the Bal Tabarin, oil on canvas with sequins, 161.6 x 156.2 cm (63.6 x 61.5 in.), Museum of Modern Art, New York

Russolo, Carrà, Marinetti, Boccioni and Severini in front of Le Figaro, Paris, 9 February 1912

'Unique Forms of Continuity in Space', 1913 bronze by Umberto Boccioni

Umberto Boccioni 001

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Giacomo Balla, 1912, Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash, oil on canvas, 89.8 x 109.8 cm, Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Umberto Boccioni, 1913, Dynamism of a Cyclist (Dinamismo di un ciclista), oil on canvas, 70 x 95 cm, Gianni Mattioli Collection, on long-term loan to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice

Futurism is an artistic and social movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century. It emphasized speed, technology, youth, and violence, and objects such as the car, the airplane, and the industrial city. The movement was founded by the Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti who launched it in his Futurist Manifesto, which he published in 1909.

History

Futurism was a largely Italian phenomenon, though there were parallel movements in Russia, England, and elsewhere. The movement was at its most influential in the years immediately before World War I. The Futurists practiced in every medium of art, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, urban design, theatre, film, fashion, textiles, literature, music, architecture, and even gastronomy.

Key Figures

Besides Marinetti, other prominent figures in the movement included Umberto Boccioni, Carlo Carrà, Giacomo Balla, Gino Severini, and Luigi Russolo. These artists sought to capture the dynamism and energy of the modern world in their work.

Artistic Characteristics

Futurist art is characterized by its depiction of movement and speed. The artists used techniques such as simultaneity and chronophotography to represent the dynamism of modern life. They often depicted objects in motion, using lines of force to convey the energy and power of the subject.

Literature and Music

In literature, Futurism was marked by its rejection of traditional syntax and grammar, and its embrace of free verse and experimental forms. Marinetti's own works, such as "Zang Tumb Tumb," exemplify this approach. In music, Futurists like Luigi Russolo created new instruments and compositions that sought to capture the sounds of the modern industrial world.

Architecture and Design

Futurist architecture and design emphasized modernity and the future. Architects like Antonio Sant'Elia envisioned cities of the future with towering skyscrapers, multi-level streets, and advanced transportation systems. Although many of these designs were never realized, they had a significant influence on later architectural movements.

Legacy

Futurism had a profound impact on later art movements, including Art Deco, Constructivism, and Surrealism. Its emphasis on modernity and the future continues to influence contemporary art and design.

Related Pages

• Filippo Tommaso Marinetti
• Umberto Boccioni
• Carlo Carrà
• Giacomo Balla
• Gino Severini
• Luigi Russolo
• Antonio Sant'Elia
• Futurist Manifesto
• Art Deco
• Constructivism
• Surrealism