Fragmentation, Transformation, and Synthesis in Art
What is Fragmentation?
Refers to the process or state of breaking something into smaller parts or pieces, which can create a disjointed or incomplete overall picture. In art, it refers to the breaking down or decomposition of a work or image into smaller parts, with the aim of creating something new or conveying a message differently. The concept of fragmentation is a phenomenon that characterizes postmodern culture.
Why is Fragmentation Important in Art?
It allows artists to break away from traditional ways of viewing the world, offering new perspectives and meanings. By dividing and reconstructing images or ideas, art invites viewers to interact with the work more deeply, giving them the opportunity to interpret and reflect from multiple angles. This approach not only transforms the aesthetics of the piece but also challenges how we understand time, space, and reality.
Types of Fragmentation in Art
- Visual: This occurs when an image or figure is broken down into several parts, but each fragment remains recognizable.
- Conceptual: The meaning of the work is presented in a fragmented way, so the viewer must piece together the parts to understand the full message.
- Spatial: This refers to the division of space within a work or installation. The space may be physically fragmented (such as deconstructed sculptures) or symbolically divided (separated sections of a work).
- Narrative: Common in film or literary works related to visual arts, where the story is not presented in a linear order.
What is Transformation in Art?
Transformation: A complete change in the appearance or character of something or someone. It also refers to the process of change or metamorphosis, often symbolizing a deeper spiritual or physical evolution. In various contexts, it reflects the idea of repetition, evolution, and the crossing of points, which can be observed in myths, art, and symbolism. This concept often carries significant meanings in representing the shifts in identity, state of being, or understanding, making it a vital theme in artistic representations.
What is Synthesis in Art?
Synthesis: The composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole.
Syntheticism
The term derives from the French verb “synthétiserˮ (to synthesize) and is based on the idea that art should be a synthesis of three characteristics:
- The outward appearance of natural forms.
- The artist’s feelings about the subject matter.
- Purely aesthetic considerations of line, color, and form.
Art Movements
Impressionism (1872-1882)
The first modern movement in painting aims to capture light and the moment without worrying too much about the identity of what projects it.
Post-Impressionism (1880-1910)
This is an artificial word, coined after the fact when the post-impressionist artists were already dead. No post-impressionist artists were aware of being in this category.
Cubism (1907-1917)
Movement characterized by the breaking down of forms into “geometric” shapes to the point where representation confronts abstraction.
Surrealism (1924-1966)
Artistic and literary movement that utilized fantasy, myth, and dream imagery within artwork.
Impressionism
Things are not defined, but rather the visual impression of these things is painted, and this implies that unconnected parts give rise to a unitary whole. Characterized by the use of pure, unmixed colors; not hiding the brushstroke; light and color; and the shapes become imprecisely diluted. The Impressionists focused on painting outdoors, seeking to capture the change in luminosity, the instant.
Notable Impressionist Artists
- Claude Monet “father of the impressionism” (1840-1926)
- Édouard Manet (1832-1883)
- Pierre Auguste Renoir (1841-1919)
- Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894)
- Berthe Morisot (1841-1895)
- Camille Pissarro (1830-1903)
- Marie Bracquemond (1840-1916)
- Edgar Degas (1834-1917)
- Mary Cassatt (1844-1926)
Post-Impressionism
These artists used bright colors, indiscreet brushstrokes, and themes based on real life. All of them tried to take a step further in terms of emotion and expression in painting, and all of them presented a particular vision of nature, a subjective vision of the world. Some of the artists that worked after Impressionism were characterized by the use of: 1. They laid the foundations for modern art. 2. They were generally not appreciated in life. 3. Once dead, they were considered untouchable classics. 4. Their paintings are today the most expensive in history.
Notable Post-Impressionist Artists
- Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890)
- Paul Gauguin (1848-1903)
- Georges-Pierre Seurat (1859-1891)
- Paul Cezanne (1839-1906)
Cubism
Louis Vauxcelles gave the name of this movement, “cubic bizarreries” would give the movement its name. There are not cubes in Cubism, the opposite. Cubism consists in recognizing the two-dimensional nature of the canvas and not recreating three-dimensionality. The genres painted by the Cubists artists were very classical: still life, landscapes, portraits, biblical scenes.
Notable Cubist Artists
Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Juan Gris, Pavel Filonov, Maria Blanchard
Surrealism
André Breton was the guru of Surrealism. Surrealism was defined by an attitude of experimentation and openness to possibilities and unexpected outcomes. It rebelled against the limitations of the rational mind and repressive social norms. Surrealism was inextricably linked to Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theories that served as the foundation for the movement’s complete rejection of rationalism and conformism.
Two Forms of Surrealist Art
- An automatic, spontaneous, and fluid one, with its own figurative universes.
- A naturalist, who shows the world of dreams and the unconscious with sometimes hyperrealistic figuration.
Notable Surrealist Artists
- André Breton (1896-1966)
- Salvador Dalí (1904-1989)
- Leonora Carrington (1917-2011)
- Man Ray (1890-1976)
- Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
- Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991)
- René Magritte (1898-1967)