5.3 Fauvism

Fauvism and Its Key Artists

• Fauvism was introduced by key artists Henri Matisse and André Derain.
• The Fauvists focused on expressive use of color and energetic brushstrokes in their work.

The First Fauvism Exhibit

• The first exhibit of Fauvism was held in 1905 at the Salon d'Automne in Paris.

Characteristics of Fauvism

• The Fauvists' aggressive brushstrokes and intense colors added a sense of energy and emotion to their work.
• Fauvists focused on color to evoke emotions, using bold and vibrant hues to create a sense of intensity.

Henri Matisse's Background

• Henri Matisse was a former law student before becoming an artist.

Matisse's Inspiration

• Matisse was inspired to redefine how color could express emotions by the works of Paul Gauguin and African art.

Fauvism During World War II

• During the Nazi invasion of France, artists were required to obtain a certificate of approval to exhibit their work.

Controversy and Scandal

• The Fauvists' use of bold colors and expressive brushstrokes caused controversy and was considered scandalous by some.

Matisse's Techniques

• Matisse used dancers as subjects in his paintings to display the movement and emotions of the human figure.
• In 'Still Life with Dance', Matisse included a sculpture that creates depth by jutting into the back of the painting.

'Nasturtiums with the Painting La Danse'

• In 'Nasturtiums with the Painting La Danse', a vase of flowers appears to be part of the painting itself, blending the boundaries between reality and art.