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Cubism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cubism

[ˈkjuːbɪz(ə)m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

art movement

Cubism is an early 20th-century avant-garde art movement that revolutionized European painting and sculpture. It is characterized by a fragmented and abstract depiction of subjects, often breaking them into geometric shapes and reassembling them in a distinctive form. The movement was pioneered by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, who sought to represent three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional plane. Cubism allowed for multiple viewpoints to be visible simultaneously, challenging traditional perspectives in art.

Synonyms

constructivism, geometric abstraction.

Examples of usage

  • Pablo Picasso is famous for his contributions to Cubism.
  • The Cubism movement changed how artists approached representation.
  • Cubism can be seen in many modern art galleries today.
  • Cubism is often associated with the works of Georges Braque.

Translations

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Origin of 'cubism'

The term 'Cubism' was first coined by critic Louis Vauxcelles in 1908 after observing the works of artists like Picasso and Braque. The movement emerged as a reaction to the conventional forms of representation prevalent in the 19th century. It was influenced by earlier artistic movements such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and African art. Artists began to explore how to represent reality in new ways, focusing on the underlying structure rather than mere appearances. The first major show of Cubist works took place in 1911 at the Salon d'Automne in Paris, where the true essence of the movement was showcased. Over time, Cubism evolved into different phases, including Analytical Cubism and Synthetic Cubism, each with distinct characteristics and styles. The impact of Cubism extended beyond painting and sculpture, influencing literature, music, and architecture, and it remains a significant part of modern art history.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,045 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.