Cubism

Cubism is an approach to painting that originated in France by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque around 1906. Cubism is often characterized by the use of geometric shapes on a set of discrete planes. Cubists work emphasizes on the use of flat, 2-D surfaces and it rejected perspective, foreshortening, and modeling in favour of geometric forms. Color plays a large role in cubist paintings as well as shapes, even though they remain flat and fragmented, are seen as larger and more decorative, and collage is often used. Many 20th century avant-garde movements were influenced by Cubist experimentations.

The fundamentals of cubism include assymetrical compostition, interpretation of volumes, transparency and perception from various points of views.

Other famous cubist painters include Juan Gris, Fernand Leger, Robert Delauany and others.

By 1913, Diego Rivera had become influenced by the early cubist movement. He started to experimenting with cubism. By 1914, Rivera had become one of the most astounding members of the Cubist movement.

Picasso's earliest Cubist work was Les Demoiselles de Avignon. The painting refers to the prostitution district of Paris. At this time, Picasso was influenced by the expressive power of African and Oceanic tribal arts.

Georges Braque was originally drawn to the work of the Fauvist painters while studying in Paris in 1900. When he met Picasso, it was a turning point in his career. Together, Picasso and Braque evolved as leaders of Cubism. Braque's compositions incorporated the Cubist aim of representing the world as seen from many different view points.