Cubism was a groundbreaking art movement born in Paris in the early 20th century. Developed primarily by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Cubism broke away from traditional perspectives to depict subjects through fragmented shapes, geometric patterns, and multiple viewpoints. Artists essentially rejected the idea that art must represent nature. The approach changed the trajectory of modern art and has since left a mark on numerous creative domains. In fine art, design, film, and fashion, Cubism’s legacy continues to resonate in compelling ways.
The genesis of Cubism
Emerging in Paris between 1907 and 1914, Cubism challenged the conventions of Western art. Rather than striving for realism, artists deconstructed subjects into abstract, angular forms, exploring the relationship between shape, color, and dimension. Cubism is sometimes divided into two phases: Analytical Cubism, characterized by muted colors and complex overlapping planes, and Synthetic Cubism, with collage and lighter palettes. The influence of Cubism soon extended beyond Picasso and Braque to inspire artists like Juan Gris, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Marcel Duchamp, and Fernand Léger.
Cubism in fine art
Cubism continues to influence contemporary art, offering endless possibilities for abstraction and reinterpretation. Its impact can be seen in various styles and mediums, from minimalist sculptures to vibrant canvases. Judaica artwork includes colorful Jerusalem paintings in Cubism and abstract styles. Public art and large-scale installations have also embraced Cubism. Murals and sculptures inspired by the movement bring the aesthetic into the everyday lives of passers-by.
Cubism in film and animation
Cubism’s fragmented perspectives and dynamic energy have significantly influenced film and animation. In classic films like Abel Gance’s Napoleon, Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin, and Fritz Lang’s Metropolis have used multiplane camera techniques to add depth and dimensionality, visual motifs reminiscent of Cubism, and rapid cuts and juxtaposed images conveying chaos. In contemporary cinema, Cubism has influenced the fragmented realities and multidimensional perspectives in films like Inception and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Fashion and Cubism
The bold geometry and abstraction of Cubism have left a great impression on fashion. Designers like Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret were among the first to incorporate Cubist influences and geometric patterns. Picasso Celebration 1973-2023 (50 events and exhibitions that celebrated Picasso, 50 years after his death) included an exhibit focusing on Picasso’s influence on fashion. The organisation noted the artist’s relationship with Chanel dated back to 1917, with Picasso’s focus on linear and geometric designs influencing designs such as the Chanel No. 5 perfume, “which recalls the bottles reduced to the minimum expression that Picasso painted in 1912 in his series of still lifes.”
Pop art and music
Cubism’s impact extends into pop art and music. Artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol reinterpreted Cubist ideas to combine abstraction with everyday imagery. In music, classic album covers like David Bowie’s Reality and The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls have used Cubism’s fractured imagery and abstraction.
Enduring legacy
More than a century after its inception, Cubism’s bold departure from tradition is still inspiring artists to think differently about form, space, and perspective. From fine art to fashion, the movement’s impact is vast and enduring.
