Cubists

Cubism was a revolutionary art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily developed by artists Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. It is characterized by its depiction of objects from multiple viewpoints simultaneously, breaking them down into geometric forms and planes. This departure from traditional representational art challenged established norms of perspective and realism.

The movement can be broadly divided into two phases. The first, known as Analytic Cubism (roughly 1908-1912), focused on dissecting subjects into fragmented shapes and a monochromatic palette, often using shades of brown, gray, and black. The aim was to analyze the form and structure of the object itself, rather than its appearance in a particular light.

The second phase, Synthetic Cubism (roughly 1912-1914), introduced brighter colors and simpler forms. Artists began to incorporate collage elements, such as newspaper clippings and wallpaper, into their work, a technique known as papier collé. This phase shifted the focus from analysis to synthesis, building up images from simpler components and introducing texture and pattern.

Cubism had a profound and lasting impact on the development of modern art, influencing subsequent movements like Futurism, Constructivism, and Abstract Expressionism. Its innovative approach to form, space, and representation opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and continues to be studied and admired today.