Publisher's Synopsis
A comprehensive volume covering five seminal genres that shaped art, from the late 19th century and well into the 20th: Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Each approach was distinct in aesthetic and philosophy, but all had immediate impact and enduring influence. Many great names were indelibly associated with one, some explored several throughout their careers.Impressionism, led by Monet and Renoir, focused on light and color, capturing fleeting moments and challenging academic art's rigidity. Expressionism was driven by artists like Edvard Munch to convey raw emotion, distorting reality to reflect the angst of human experience. Cubism, pioneered by Picasso and Braque, broke objects into geometric shapes, atomizing traditional perspectives. Surrealists, like Dalí and Magritte, explored the subconscious, dreams, and the irrational, blending reality with fantasy. Abstract Expressionism, emerging in post-World War II America, emphasized spontaneity and emotion through bold, gestural brushstrokes, with Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko leading the charge. Though diverse, these movements collectively pushed the boundaries of creativity, redefined artistic expression, and altered the trajectory of contemporary art. This lavish edition celebrates their stories, featuring more than 250 high-quality reproductions and texts, exploring how each movement's ideals and innovations transformed art forever.
