4-8 Post-Impressionism Explained

Key Concepts of Post-Impressionism

Post-Impressionism, which emerged in the late 19th century, is a movement that followed Impressionism but sought to move beyond its limitations. Key concepts include subjective expression, symbolic content, and the use of bold colors and geometric forms.

Subjective Expression

Subjective expression refers to the artist's personal interpretation and emotional response to a subject. Post-Impressionist artists emphasized their individual perspectives and feelings, moving away from the purely objective depiction of Impressionism.

Example: Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" is a quintessential example of subjective expression. The swirling sky and vibrant colors reflect van Gogh's emotional state and his unique vision of the night sky.

Symbolic Content

Symbolic content involves the use of symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings and ideas. Post-Impressionist artists often incorporated symbolic elements into their works to express complex emotions and philosophical thoughts.

Example: Paul Gauguin's "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" uses symbolic figures and scenes to explore existential questions and the human condition.

Bold Colors and Geometric Forms

Bold colors and geometric forms are characteristic of Post-Impressionist art. Artists used vibrant colors and simplified shapes to create a sense of structure and harmony, often breaking away from naturalistic representation.

Example: Georges Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" employs pointillism, using small dots of color to create a vibrant and structured composition, while Paul Cézanne's "Mont Sainte-Victoire" series uses geometric forms to depict the landscape in a simplified and abstract manner.

Examples and Analogies

Think of subjective expression as a personal diary, where each entry reflects the writer's unique experiences and emotions. Van Gogh's "Starry Night" is like a diary entry, capturing the artist's inner world and emotional turmoil.

Symbolic content can be compared to a coded message, where each symbol and element carries a specific meaning. Gauguin's "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" is akin to a coded message, each figure and scene representing profound philosophical questions.

Bold colors and geometric forms are like a mosaic, where each piece contributes to a larger, harmonious design. Seurat's pointillism and Cézanne's geometric landscapes are like mosaics, using color and shape to create a structured and visually striking composition.