Art & Design; "Isms" Research

Cubism - Cubism is considered to be the most influential art movement of the 20th century. Cubism came about from the three-dimensional work of Paul Cezanne, objects are analysed, broken up and then reassembled in an abstract form. Objects are depicted from multiple viewpoints to represent the subject in a greater context.

Cubist artwork by Georges Braque

Title; 'Clarinet and Bottle of Rum on a Mantlepiece'

Expressionism - Expressionism is the term given to an early 20th century style of art. Generally associated with Northern Europe and more specifically Germany, expressionism is an artistic style in which the artist attempts to depict subjective emotions rather than objective reality. Expressionism is very subjective, personal and self expressive.

                                                        Expressionism by Gustav Klimt

    Portrait of Frederika Maria Beer

Fauvism - Fauvism is a 20th century French style of art, that makes use of vivid colours. The style began around 1900 and continued for over a decade, although as a movement it only lasted a few years.

Fauvism art by Henri Matisse

Impressionism - Impressionism is a 20th century art movement that originated in Paris. Expressionism makes use of small, thin yet visible brush strokes, open composition and really emphasises light and it's changing qualities.

Impressionism painting by Monet

Pre-Raphaelitism - The Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood was formed in 1848 as a secret group of artists, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Michael Rossetti (his brother), Thomas Woolner, William Holman Hunt, Frederic George Stephens, James Collinson and John Everett Millias. The were rising up against the current art establishment and created art that was known for it's brilliance and vividness of colours.

Pre-Raphaelitism artwork by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Surrealism - Surrealism first began in the early 1920's and is probably best known for it's artworks and writings. Surrealist art portrays the unexpected and is often very fantasy like.

Surrealism by Rene Magritte