Passage

Definition

In the context of art and literature, a passage refers to a section or segment that conveys a shift in meaning, perspective, or style. This can manifest through visual transitions in paintings or shifts in narrative structure within texts, often reflecting the innovative approaches taken by artists and writers during the Modernist and Avant-Garde movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Picasso and Braque developed the concept of passage to describe how forms in their Cubist works could transition into one another, creating a fluid experience of space and time.
2. The use of passage often reflects the interplay between different elements in a composition, as seen in both their paintings and sculptures.
3. In their collaborative works, Picasso and Braque utilized passage to challenge traditional notions of representation and perspective.
4. Passage can also refer to the ways in which viewers or readers navigate through a work, engaging with its layers and meanings.
5. This concept highlights the artists' departure from realism, moving towards abstraction and allowing for multiple interpretations of the same piece.

Review Questions

• How did Picasso and Braque utilize the concept of passage to influence the viewer's experience of their artworks?
  • Picasso and Braque used the concept of passage to create a seamless flow between forms within their artworks. This technique allowed viewers to engage with multiple perspectives simultaneously, enhancing their understanding of depth and movement in the piece. By breaking down traditional representations, they invited observers to explore the connections between different elements, thereby enriching the overall experience.
• Discuss how passage exemplifies the collaborative nature of Picasso and Braque's work during the early 20th century.
  • Passage is a key example of how Picasso and Braque's collaboration led to innovations in artistic expression. Their joint exploration of this concept allowed them to push boundaries and experiment with new techniques such as overlapping forms and fragmented perspectives. This partnership not only deepened their understanding of visual representation but also established a foundation for subsequent movements like Futurism and Abstract Expressionism.
• Evaluate the impact of passage on the broader context of Modernism and how it reflects changes in artistic philosophies during that era.
  • The impact of passage on Modernism is significant as it embodies a fundamental shift away from realism towards abstraction and multiple interpretations. Artists began to embrace complexity, reflecting societal changes and advancements in technology, philosophy, and psychology. By incorporating passage into their works, Picasso and Braque contributed to a broader dialogue about perception, meaning, and the role of art in expressing the modern human experience, influencing generations of artists to come.

Related terms

Cubism: An art movement pioneered by Picasso and Braque that breaks subjects into geometric shapes and presents multiple viewpoints within a single artwork.

Collage: A technique involving the assemblage of various materials and objects onto a surface, often used by artists like Braque to create new meanings and perspectives.

Nonlinear Narrative: A storytelling technique that does not follow a straight chronological order, allowing for a more fragmented and complex exploration of themes and ideas.