What is the definition of Cubism art?

Cubism is a revolutionary movement in modern art that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Paris, France. It is characterized by the use of geometric shapes to depict natural forms, a departure from traditional methods of representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions. This new approach to art was pioneered by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, who are often credited with developing the movement.

The definition of Cubism can be broken down into several key elements:


1. Geometric Deconstruction: Cubists sought to break down objects into their basic geometric components. Instead of depicting an object from a single viewpoint, they would deconstruct it and present it from multiple perspectives simultaneously. This allowed for a more complex and complete representation of the subject.


2. Fragmentation: The fragmented nature of Cubist art is one of its most distinctive features. Artists would take apart the forms they were representing and reassemble them in a way that was not immediately recognizable as a traditional scene. This fragmentation was a way to challenge the viewer's perception and encourage a more active engagement with the artwork.


3. Abstraction: While not the first form of abstract art, Cubism played a significant role in the development of abstraction. By reducing objects to their geometric essence, Cubist artists were able to create works that were less representational and more focused on form and structure.


4. Analytic and Synthetic Cubism: The movement can be divided into two phases.
Analytic Cubism, which was more focused on the deconstruction of forms and the exploration of different facets of an object, and Synthetic Cubism, which involved the reassembly of these fragments into new compositions, often incorporating found objects and materials.


5. Influence of African and Oceanic Art: The Cubists were influenced by the art of Africa and Oceania, which they encountered in Parisian ethnographic museums and at the 1907 exhibition of the Trocadéro. The non-naturalistic and abstract qualities of these artworks inspired the Cubists to experiment with form and representation.


6. Rejection of Traditional Perspective: Traditional Western art relied heavily on a single, fixed perspective to create a sense of depth. Cubism rejected this approach, instead using multiple viewpoints to create a sense of depth that was more dynamic and less illusionistic.

7.
Use of New Materials: Cubist artists were not afraid to experiment with a variety of materials, including paper collage, which was a significant innovation in the medium. This allowed for a greater range of textures and visual effects within a single work.

8.
Impact on Other Art Forms: The principles of Cubism extended beyond painting and sculpture to influence other forms of art, such as architecture, music, and literature. It was a truly interdisciplinary movement that had a profound impact on the development of 20th-century art and culture.

Cubism was not just a style or a technique; it was a radical shift in the way artists thought about and approached their work. It challenged long-held assumptions about the nature of art and reality, and it paved the way for many of the artistic innovations that would follow in the 20th century.

cubism definition. A movement in modern art that emphasized the geometrical depiction of natural forms (see geometry). Pablo Picasso was one of the leading cubists.