Purism

Purism was an art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, largely in France, as a response to the fragmentation and abstraction of Cubism. The movement sought to return to clarity, harmony, and a sense of order in both form and composition, in contrast to the chaotic and fragmented approach of Cubist art.

Key Principles of Purism

Purism emphasized clean lines, geometric shapes, and an emphasis on simplicity and precision in the composition of works. It was closely related to the idea of modernity, though it rejected the radical abstraction of other movements in favor of a more controlled and harmonious vision.

Some of the core principles of Purism include:

1. Return to Simplicity and Clarity: Purists believed that art should be stripped of unnecessary details, creating clarity and purity in form. They favored simple, geometric shapes and smooth lines over fragmented, chaotic forms.
2. Emphasis on the Machine Age: Purism was inspired by the growing influence of modern technology and industrialization. Artists looked to the clean, efficient lines of machines and architecture as models for artistic creation. The precision and sleekness of machinery were viewed as ideals to be emulated in visual art.
3. Harmony of Form and Color: Purism favored harmonious and balanced compositions. Artists sought to create a sense of unity and coherence, with color and form being carefully chosen to maintain a sense of order and balance.
4. Rejection of Excessive Ornamentation: Purism rejected the ornamentation and decoration found in previous artistic styles, such as Art Nouveau. Instead, it favored functional, stripped-down designs that prioritized utility and efficiency.

Historical Context and Influences

Purism emerged in the aftermath of World War I, a period when many artists and intellectuals were grappling with the chaos and fragmentation caused by the war. The movement was, in part, a reaction against the complexities and disorienting aspects of Cubism, which had broken objects and figures down into fragmented shapes and planes.

Purism was also influenced by Cubism, particularly the works of Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, but while Cubism fragmented and abstracted forms, Purism sought to create clean, logical, and harmonious compositions.

Founders and Key Figures

The two most important figures associated with Purism are Amédée Ozenfant and Charles-Edouard Jeanneret, who later became known as Le Corbusier (before he became famous for his work as an architect).

1. Amédée Ozenfant: A French painter, Ozenfant was one of the main theoreticians of Purism. In 1918, he and Le Corbusier co-wrote the “Apologie du Purisme” (The Apology of Purism), in which they outlined the principles of the movement. Ozenfant was also known for his clean, geometric still life paintings that emphasized simplicity and clarity.
2. Le Corbusier: Though better known as an architect, Le Corbusier was a key figure in the Purist movement, contributing to its theoretical foundations and helping to promote its ideals. His design philosophy was influenced by Purist ideas, particularly his belief in the importance of functionalism, simplicity, and geometric form.

Artistic Style and Characteristics

Purist art was marked by certain stylistic features that distinguished it from other movements of the time:

1. Geometric Abstraction: Purism focused on using simple geometric shapes like rectangles, circles, and straight lines to create clear, balanced compositions. Objects were often reduced to their essential forms.
2. Simplified Representations of Everyday Life: While still depicting real-world objects, Purist artists sought to simplify and abstract them into basic shapes, avoiding excessive detail. This resulted in still lifes, portraits, and other subjects that were pared down to their most essential forms.
3. Harmony and Balance: Purist works often conveyed a sense of calm and balance through symmetrical compositions and the careful use of color and form. This was in stark contrast to the more dynamic, fragmented nature of Cubism.
4. Focus on Architecture and the Machine: As a reflection of their admiration for industrial design and modernity, Purists often incorporated elements of architecture and machinery into their work. Le Corbusier, in particular, saw a parallel between the principles of Purism and the sleek, functional design of modern buildings and vehicles.

Notable Works

1. Amédée Ozenfant’s “Still Life with the Red Pot” (1920): This work is an example of Ozenfant’s focus on geometric shapes and his reduction of still life elements to basic, simple forms. The composition is balanced and harmonious, with a restrained use of color.
2. Le Corbusier’s “La Femme au Chapeau” (1919): Though Le Corbusier is primarily known for his architecture, his painting from the Purist period also emphasized clean lines and simple, geometric forms. This portrait is a good example of the simplified approach to representing the human figure and face in Purism.
3. “The City of Tomorrow” (1924): Though not strictly a Purist painting, Le Corbusier’s architectural visions for a new kind of modern city reflect the Purist ideal of functional, clear, and efficient design. His plans for the city emphasize geometric structures and the use of modern materials, aligning with Purism’s interest in the machine age.

Influence and Legacy

Purism, while not as widely known as movements like Cubism or Surrealism, had a lasting impact on both visual art and architecture. Its emphasis on simplicity, order, and harmony resonated with the broader modernist movement, influencing the development of minimalism and the Bauhaus school.

In architecture, Purist principles can be seen in the works of Le Corbusier, particularly in his use of clean lines, geometric forms, and a focus on functionality. His designs for buildings like the Villa Savoye (1928) and the Unité d’Habitation (1952) reflect the same principles of clarity and efficiency that were central to the Purist movement.

Purism’s Decline

By the mid-1920s, Purism began to lose momentum, as artists moved toward more dynamic and expressive styles, particularly Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. However, its emphasis on order and clarity persisted in the work of later modernist movements and continues to influence contemporary art and design, particularly in the realms of architecture and industrial design.

Conclusion

Purism was a short-lived but important artistic movement that sought to return to clarity, simplicity, and order in the wake of the chaos of World War I. By focusing on geometric forms, harmonious compositions, and the influence of the machine age, Purism helped shape the modernist aesthetic and had a lasting impact on architecture and design. While its influence may not be as overt as other movements, the principles of Purism continue to resonate in contemporary art and design today.