Return to painting

Definition

The 'return to painting' refers to a significant movement in the art world during the late 20th century, characterized by artists revisiting traditional painting techniques and materials after a period dominated by conceptual art and minimalist practices. This resurgence was marked by a re-engagement with expressive, emotive styles and often incorporated a personal or narrative element, signaling a shift away from abstraction toward representational imagery.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The return to painting emerged as a reaction against the dominance of conceptual art, minimalism, and video art during the late 1970s and 1980s.
2. Artists involved in this movement often sought to create works that were emotionally charged and visually rich, challenging the notion that painting had become obsolete.
3. Key figures in the return to painting included artists from various backgrounds who contributed to styles such as Italian Transavanguardia and American Neo-Expressionism.
4. This movement reflected broader societal shifts, including a growing interest in personal narratives and identity politics in art.
5. The return to painting led to the revival of various techniques, including gestural brushwork and rich color palettes, reminiscent of earlier art movements like Expressionism.

Review Questions

• How did the return to painting influence artists' approach to traditional techniques and materials during the late 20th century?
  • The return to painting encouraged artists to revive traditional techniques and materials, leading to a renewed focus on expressive brushwork, rich colors, and personal narratives. Artists began experimenting with gestural painting that evoked emotional responses rather than adhering strictly to abstract forms. This shift not only redefined how painting was perceived but also opened up new possibilities for storytelling through visual art.
• In what ways did Italian Transavanguardia contribute to the broader context of the return to painting?
  • Italian Transavanguardia played a pivotal role in the return to painting by championing figurative representation and emotional depth. This movement emphasized individual expression and broke away from the rigid constraints of modernism, allowing artists to explore themes of identity, history, and culture. By incorporating mythological references and bold colors, Transavanguardia artists created works that resonated with viewers on a personal level while contributing significantly to the resurgence of painting as a vital artistic medium.
• Evaluate the impact of American Neo-Expressionism on the perception of painting in contemporary art practices following the return to painting.
  • American Neo-Expressionism dramatically transformed the perception of painting in contemporary art by reinstating its relevance amidst an era dominated by conceptual and minimalist approaches. Artists associated with this movement used bold colors, dynamic compositions, and emotive themes that connected with audiences on an instinctual level. By rejecting the sterility of previous trends, Neo-Expressionists not only revitalized interest in painting but also encouraged new generations of artists to embrace emotional depth and personal narratives in their work.

Related terms

Postmodernism: An artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a skeptical approach to art, questioning traditional values, and blending different styles and mediums.

Neo-Expressionism: A movement in painting that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasizing intense colors, exaggerated forms, and emotional content, often as a response to the sterility of minimalist art.

Transavanguardia: An Italian art movement that reintroduced figurative elements and emotional content to painting, emphasizing individual expression and breaking away from the constraints of modernism.