Constructivism

Constructivism

Constructivism was an art movement which started in Russia in the early 20^th century. Proposing to replace traditional values in place of constructed objects which emphasize beauty, the artists viewpoint of something and inspire function out of the materials and forms used.

Birthed in 1917, as the Bolsheviks came into power, and a means of inspiring the artists in support of the revolution. Borrowing from Cubism, Supremitism and Futurism in the sense of abolishing the traditions of art and shifting the focus towards construction instead of composition.

Hoping to use mass – production for the benefit of the then communist society, it applied careful analysis of modern materials to further this goal. Though the movement itself was never entirely successful in staying away from abstract inspirations, aswell as the difficulty in the transition from artist studio to the factory.

Decline arose in the 1920’s due to Bolshevik dislike of avant-grade, yet still would inspire in the west, particularly in Germany around the time when the Bauhaus was starting. 

  

  

 

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinary encompasses things made of parts to become whole, which are related and interacting.

The nature of interdisciplinary is endless, molecules and atoms, animals and plants, stars and planets, everything is interdisciplinary by some means. Not exactly listed with other more well known movements and practices, nonetheless its hardly a recent or new category. Considering artist-scientist Da Vinci, poet-print maker William Blake, poet-painter-designer William Morris.

Many schools now approach it as a means of integrating many mediums and practices. Video, performance art, installation, book arts, digital, theater, music, creative writing.

Being a mix of so many different techniques I feel it would be difficult to categorize an artist so simply. Though upon hearing interdisciplinary the artist that comes to mind for me is Joseph Beuys. A sculptor, installation, and graphic artist from Germany and celebrated artist of the 20^th century.

He caught my attention by his drawings and prints. As I can relate to the simple yet surreal, less is more type of style. 

  

  

 

Bauhaus

Bauhaus

The Bauhaus was created in 1919 in Weimar, Germany by German architect Walter Gropius. A school created to give its students a practical and theoretical knowledge in many areas. Including Ceramics, Murals, Stained Glass, Typography, Metalwork, Book binding, Sculpture and furniture building. These were taught in the hope that, with new technologies, products could be made both beautiful and practical.

Having realized technology and machines were undeniably the future, Gropius saw the opportunity for mass-production of everyday furniture and objects. His aim with the Bauhaus was to create an environment for artists, architects and designers to collaborate on future buildings. Courses at the Bauhaus were constructed to implant solid basic theory in the arts.

Gropius also realized the ability of machines and the beautiful pieces they can create. In particular the Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer from 1925. The rising Nazi movement began to be a strain on the school and in 1928 Gropius was replaced by Hannes Meyer. The teachings became more strict and confined under his control. He was dismissed in 1930 for bringing his socialist views and politics into the school, Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe then took control and tried to go back to the original basics but the parliament of the time decided to close the Bauhaus.

The legacy of The Bauhaus and its principles still thrive today, in spite of having only lasted 14 years. Modern designs of the home and the recognized typography, contemporary style and current aesthetic furniture was all originated in the Bauhaus. 

 

 

  

Futurism

Futurism

Futurism is an art movement, born in the early 20^th century as a means to embrace innovative new techniques, and avoid blind appreciation and stale use of more traditional methods.

They would explore many mediums of art including painting, sculpture, poetry, theater, music, architecture and gastronomy. The Italian poet Fillippo Tommaso Marinetti produced the Manifesto of Futurism, in 1909, which served to highlight the love they had for all things industrial, technological and man-made triumphs over nature. While also denouncing the past and its artistic traditions.

This attracted the attention of several painters and sculptors hoping to extend Marinettis principles to the visual arts. Artists like Boccioni, Carr, Russolo, Balla and Severini. They gathered together in the 1910’s to combat against tradition and enhance the new and contemporary.

As Fascism rose in 1920’s Italy, to their approval, as the impending warfare helped there cause to modernize society and fulfill the yet unfulfilled industrial revolution. This with an already intense nationalism gave them recognition and importance, particularly in architecture between the 20’s and 40’s.

As interesting and impressive as I find some of the Futurist stuff, particularly the visual art of Balla and Boccioni, Futurism was first presented to me as a Fascist movement. These being ideals I don’t agree with or approve of, have proved difficult to ignore and the use of shape and colour I enjoy on Balla and Boccioni is somewhat nullified and interfered with. Thus personally overshadowing some interesting work.