Purisms

Purisms are a philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in France. It was a reaction against the perceived excesses and ornamentation of previous artistic styles, advocating for a return to fundamental forms and functions. The term "purism" itself suggests a desire for purity, simplicity, and clarity.

The movement was most prominently associated with artists Amedee Ozenfant and Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, later known as Le Corbusier. They published the manifesto "Après le cubisme" (After Cubism) in 1918, which laid out their core principles. Purists believed that art should reflect the modern age, characterized by industrialization, machines, and mass production. They admired the clean lines and functional design of everyday objects like bottles, glasses, and musical instruments.

In painting, Purism sought to move beyond the fragmentation and abstraction of Cubism. Instead, they favored smooth surfaces, clear outlines, and a limited palette of colors, often featuring muted earth tones. Their subjects were typically still lifes of common objects, rendered in a simplified and monumental style. The aim was to achieve a sense of timelessness and universality in their compositions, stripping away superficial detail to reveal the essential structure of their subjects.

Beyond painting, Purist ideas influenced architecture and design. Le Corbusier, in particular, applied these principles to his architectural theories, emphasizing functionality, standardization, and the use of modern materials. The movement, while relatively short-lived as a distinct artistic school, had a lasting impact on the development of modernist aesthetics, promoting an appreciation for simplicity, clarity, and the inherent beauty of form and function.