20th century art

20th century art

20th century art embraced the new era by departing from realistic representation and traditional ideas, leading to various abstract styles.

In the 20th century, the art world embarked on a journey that fully embraced the novelty and dynamism of a rapidly changing era. This period saw a resounding rejection of conventional notions of realistic representation and traditional aesthetic norms. Instead, it gave rise to a multitude of innovative styles within the realm of Abstract Expressionism, among which Cubism emerged as the most prominent and profoundly influential.

Cubism, in particular, revolutionised the way artists perceived and represented the world around them. Pioneered by figures like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, this avant-garde movement shattered the boundaries of traditional artistic expression. It deconstructed objects and forms into geometric shapes and facets, presenting a multifaceted view of reality. Through the dissection of subjects into a kaleidoscope of angles and viewpoints, Cubism challenged viewers to engage with art in a wholly novel and intellectually stimulating manner.

The impact of Cubism extended far beyond the canvas, influencing not only the visual arts but also architecture, literature, and even the way society viewed the world. It marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of artistic thought, setting the stage for the diverse and ever-evolving artistic landscape of the 20th century. Cubism's legacy endures as a testament to the boundless potential of human creativity and the transformative power of art to capture the essence of an era in flux.


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Parra's studio, with Parra at the centre, his back to the camera as he works on the large painting takes centre stage, showing a faceless blue woman in a striped dress, painted in red, purple, blue and teal. The studio is full of brightly coloured paints, with a large window on the right and a patterned rug across the floor under the painting.