Nabis

Definition

The nabis were a group of Post-Impressionist artists active in the late 19th century who sought to synthesize color and form into symbolic and decorative art. They emphasized the importance of spirituality and personal expression, often focusing on themes inspired by nature and everyday life while also drawing from non-Western influences and decorative arts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The nabis included artists like Édouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard, who focused on intimate domestic scenes and landscapes.
2. They were influenced by Japanese art, which helped them develop their use of flat areas of color and decorative patterns.
3. The name 'nabis' is derived from the Hebrew word for 'prophets,' reflecting their ambition to convey deeper meanings through their art.
4. Their work often featured bold colors and abstracted forms, moving away from realistic representation towards a more subjective interpretation.
5. The nabis played a crucial role in bridging the gap between Impressionism and modern art movements, paving the way for future developments in 20th-century art.

Review Questions

• How did the nabis artists use color and form to express their artistic vision?
  • The nabis artists employed bold colors and flat areas of paint to create a sense of harmony and emotional resonance in their work. They moved away from traditional realistic representation, instead focusing on how colors could convey feelings and enhance the overall impact of their compositions. This approach was part of their broader goal to synthesize various elements of art into a cohesive whole that reflected both personal experiences and deeper symbolic meanings.
• In what ways did Japanese art influence the nabis, and how did this influence manifest in their work?
  • Japanese art significantly influenced the nabis by introducing new compositional techniques, such as asymmetrical arrangements, and a focus on decorative patterns. This influence is evident in their use of flattened perspectives and bold outlines, which mimic the aesthetics found in Japanese prints. The incorporation of these elements allowed the nabis to break away from traditional Western artistic norms and explore innovative ways to represent reality through abstraction.
• Evaluate the impact of the nabis on subsequent art movements in the 20th century, considering their stylistic innovations.
  • The nabis had a lasting impact on 20th-century art movements by introducing key stylistic innovations that prioritized personal expression over realism. Their emphasis on decorative elements and emotional resonance paved the way for movements such as Expressionism and Art Nouveau. Additionally, their integration of symbolism into visual language helped inspire future artists to explore deeper meanings in their works, ultimately contributing to the evolution of modern art as a whole.

Related terms

Synthetism: An artistic movement that sought to combine different elements such as color, form, and symbolism to create a harmonious whole, often associated with the work of Paul Gauguin.

Symbolism: A late 19th-century artistic and literary movement that emphasized the expression of ideas and emotions through symbols rather than direct representation.

Art Nouveau: An international style of art and architecture that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by decorative arts, organic forms, and intricate designs.