Salon des independants

Definition

The salon des independants was an annual art exhibition established in Paris in 1884 that showcased works by artists who were not part of the official Salon. It became a crucial platform for emerging movements, particularly Post-Impressionism, allowing artists to exhibit their work without the constraints of traditional standards. This event helped foster a more inclusive art scene and encouraged the acceptance of innovative styles and ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The salon des independants was founded by artists who wanted to create an exhibition space free from the strict rules imposed by the official Salon.
2. The first exhibition took place in 1884, featuring a variety of innovative styles and paving the way for movements such as Fauvism and Cubism.
3. The event was known for its slogan 'No jury, no prizes,' emphasizing its open nature and commitment to artistic freedom.
4. Key figures in Post-Impressionism, including Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, showcased their works at this exhibition, helping to redefine contemporary art.
5. The salon des independants played a vital role in promoting modern art and laid the groundwork for future independent exhibitions around the world.

Review Questions

• How did the salon des independants influence the emergence of Post-Impressionism?
  • The salon des independants provided a crucial platform for Post-Impressionist artists to showcase their work outside of traditional norms set by the official Salon. By allowing artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne to exhibit freely, it encouraged the exploration of new styles and ideas that prioritized personal expression over conventional techniques. This shift helped legitimize Post-Impressionism as a significant movement in art history.
• In what ways did the salon des independants challenge the established art norms set by the official Salon?
  • The salon des independants directly challenged established art norms by promoting an inclusive environment where artists could present innovative works without the restrictions imposed by jury selection. The absence of a jury allowed for greater diversity in artistic expression and opened doors for unconventional styles, pushing back against the conservative tastes favored by the official Salon. This challenge significantly impacted how art was perceived and appreciated during that time.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the salon des independants on modern art movements beyond Post-Impressionism.
  • The long-term impact of the salon des independants extended beyond Post-Impressionism by establishing a precedent for independent art exhibitions worldwide. Its emphasis on freedom of expression and rejection of formal juries inspired subsequent movements such as Fauvism and Cubism, which further broke traditional boundaries in art. The spirit of innovation fostered by this salon contributed to the evolution of modern art, encouraging artists to experiment with new forms, materials, and concepts, ultimately leading to diverse artistic expressions seen today.

Related terms

Post-Impressionism: A reaction against Impressionism that sought to express deeper emotional and symbolic content in art, characterized by bold colors and distinct brush strokes.

Salon: A prestigious annual art exhibition in France that represented the traditional art establishment, where works were selected by a jury, often favoring conservative styles.

Fauvism: An early 20th-century avant-garde movement known for its use of vivid colors and bold brushwork, which emerged partly as a reaction to the styles promoted by the Salon.