Discussion 2

Explain the comments and views of Juan Gris, the famous Cubist, who observed:

“I try to make concrete that which is abstract. … Mine is an art of synthesis, of deduction. … Cezanne turns a bottle into a cylinder, but I begin with a cylinder and create an individual of a special type: I make a bottle – a particular bottle – out of a cylinder. …That is why I compose with abstractions (colors) and make my adjustments when these colors have assumed the form of objects.” Use one or two of his works to substantiate your explanation.

Review the comments listed here from the Manifesto of Futurist Painters, explain how these views were applied by representative artists to their works, and state your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with the views in the Manifesto.

§  That all forms of imitation must be despised, all forms of originality glorified.


  That all art critics are either useless or harmful.


  That all subjects previously used must be swept aside in order to express our whirling life of steel, of pride, of fever, and of speed.