Rene Magritte’s Cle de Champs
The Early Modern Era brought about many new forms of art, one if which included the Surrealist style of the Post WWI Era. The styles of Surrealism engulfed the psychological states of dreams and fantasies. The artist of this style looked towards the psychological research of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung for their inspiration. Freud and Jung’s work was out to explain the workings of the brain through analysis of the symbols in one’s dreams. It is as Freud stated, “”A dream that is not interpreted is like a letter that is not opened.” This statement does an excellent job at describing how and what this style is all about. Surrealist loved the freedom of expression they could show in their works and ultimately this lead them back to the era of the Renaissance for inspiration.
This style of painting grew from the Dada movement and flourished after WWI as a result of all the scientific and technologic advancements. This lead the artist to really embrace the use of perspective in their works, both 2D and 3D. Artist definitely used the element of perspective in the Surrealist works to play with your eyes, and again to make you think about the situation that is being presented. Artists also were greatly influenced by the current events taking place. Many fled Nazi German and as a result, this lead to a mixture of ideas and inspiration in the paintings they created. All these combinations come together to create my favorite work of art from this era.
The particular work of art I preferred from the surrealist style was Cle de Champs by Rene Magritte from 1931. To begin with, I was not completely attracted to its style and design. However, as I continued to look at the paintings of this era, it grew on me more and more. I particularly liked the “oddness” of this style. The paintings really make you think about the meaning behind the image. For example in the painting Cle de Champs, you are looking through a window frame, to elude as if you are looking through a new reality or “window.” In addition to this, the broken glass on the floor still reflects the image it held when it was in place in the frame. The combination of these attributes really make you stop to think; what’s going on here? This is ultimately why these paintings are the most interesting to me as they seek to explain the unexplained through several new and unique perspectives.
Source:
http://www.eyeconart.net/history/surrealism.htm
Cle de Champs
wkirk said,
November 5, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Thanks for going further on the surrealist style! i learned a lot from your blog. it is an interesting genre of paintings. i like the piece you choose, Cle de Champs. I wonder as well why the picture is still on the broken glass? great job!
Bethany said,
November 7, 2009 at 1:31 am
I like your spin on surrealism and the use of perspective. I have always been under the impression that surrealism lacked any true artistic boundaries, one being perspective. You have shown me that I was wrong through the piece that you choose. I usually am not attracted to the Early Modern art styles, but he painting in your blog I find fascinating. I too wonder what the purpose of having the painting left on the glass is. Perhaps to shatter what one thought to be reality only to reveal the true reality. Or perhaps it is all based on perspective as you discussed, trading one perspective for another? Interesting to think on. Good job on the background information and connections to the historical aspects of the era. Good work Flippo!
Bethany