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.