During its debut, cubism was seen as an unusual and radical art style critiqued by many, yet it has come to inspire some of the greatest movements and artists. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braques pioneered the movement, depicting one subject from multiple view/vantage points on a flat surface. Although controversial at their times, it became a foundation for abstract art.
Cubism contains two types: analytical and synthetic cubism. Analytical cubism is the less familiar and less commonly used style. It includes less color than synthetic, intense line work, and dimensional shading. The colors featured are generally gray while having a slight yellow, green, or, blue tint. In synthetic cubism, the pieces are usually brighter and involve textual elements, such as colored paper, layered on top. Brown is usually paired with another brighter color, however, there aren’t any restrictions with color. Picasso’s earlier works are analytical while his later pieces are synthetic. The same evolution is apparent in Braques’ own pieces.
Helping inspire major artists and other abstract movements, cubism set the building blocks for abstraction. It inspired layering and collaging techniques as well as overall geometric shapes. Today, cubism is still relevant, and in modern art it has a broader view of what is defined as cubism. Emily Hana, for instance, is a modern-day artist with undoubtedly cubist paintings, but doesn't necessarily fall into the textbook definition of cubism. Hana’s works focus on the three-dimensionality of light and how that impacts its surroundings. Although less common than in the early 1900s, cubism is still present today in new and profound ways.
Fionna Moran // Clipper Chronicle