Purism

Definition

Purism is an artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with the desire to create a style of art that emphasizes clean lines, geometric forms, and a focus on the essence of subjects. It arose as a response to the chaos of modern life and aimed to achieve aesthetic clarity through simplicity and harmony, often linking itself to the principles of the avant-garde, which promotes innovation and challenges traditional artistic norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Purism was founded by artists Amédée Ozenfant and Charles-Édouard Jeanneret (Le Corbusier) in 1918 as a reaction against the decorative excesses of art movements like Art Nouveau.
2. The movement sought to strip away unnecessary details, focusing instead on the purity of form and color, which led to an emphasis on harmony and balance.
3. Purism was influenced by the principles of Cubism but aimed for a more serene representation of reality by emphasizing order and simplicity.
4. The Purist manifesto advocated for the use of modern materials such as steel and glass in architecture, pushing for a functional yet aesthetically pleasing design.
5. While Purism did not achieve widespread popularity, it laid the groundwork for later movements like Minimalism and influenced modern architectural practices.

Review Questions

• How does Purism relate to the principles of Cubism in terms of artistic representation?
  • Purism shares roots with Cubism, both emerging from the early 20th-century quest to redefine artistic representation. However, while Cubism focuses on fragmented forms and multiple perspectives to depict subjects, Purism seeks a more harmonious expression through simplified geometric shapes. This shift aims at achieving clarity and serenity, contrasting with the dynamic disarray found in Cubist works.
• Discuss how Purism reflects the ideals of the avant-garde and its influence on modern architecture.
  • Purism embodies avant-garde ideals by breaking away from traditional artistic conventions and promoting innovative design principles. The movement's emphasis on clarity and functional design led to significant advancements in modern architecture. Architects inspired by Purist ideas adopted minimalist aesthetics, using materials like glass and steel to create structures that prioritized form and function while maintaining a sense of beauty.
• Evaluate the impact of Purism on later artistic movements such as Minimalism, considering its foundational philosophies.
  • Purism's impact on later movements like Minimalism is significant as it laid the groundwork for artists who sought to eliminate superfluous elements in their work. The foundational philosophies of clarity, simplicity, and focus on form in Purism directly influenced Minimalist artists who aimed to distill their work down to essential components. This continuity shows how Purism's quest for purity has resonated through subsequent art movements, promoting a lasting appreciation for the essence of art free from distraction.

Related terms

Cubism:

An early 20th-century art movement characterized by the use of geometric shapes and fragmented forms to represent subjects from multiple viewpoints.

Avant-Garde: A term used to describe innovative or experimental works in art and culture that challenge established norms and conventions.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing new ideas, techniques, and materials in art, literature, and architecture.