Post-Impressionism is an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the limitations of Impressionism. While Impressionists focused on capturing light and color, Post-Impressionists sought to add more structure, form, and emotion to their work.
Post-Impressionist artists broke away from traditional boundaries, exploring new techniques and emphasizing emotional depth, structure, and symbolic content in their work.
Key Characteristics of Post-Impressionism
Vivid colors
Thick application of paint
Real-life subject matter
Emphasizing emotional depth, structure, and symbolic content
Pillars of Post-Impressionism: The Three Key Figures
Paul Cézanne, known as the "father of modern art," was instrumental in the advancement of Post-Impressionism. His precise attention to form and structure had a profound impact on many artists. Some of Cézanne's most famous works are "Mont Sainte-Victoire" and "The Basket of Apples." His exploration of geometric forms and vibrant colors laid the foundation for the emergence of Cubism and abstract art.
Vincent van Gogh: renowned for his powerful and expressive utilization of color and brushstrokes, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the realm of art. His masterpieces, including "Starry Night" and "Sunflowers," are revered for their vibrant hues and intense emotional impact. Van Gogh's talent in communicating deep sentiments through dynamic and swirling arrangements has significantly influenced the art landscape.
Paul Gauguin: known for his exploration of symbolic content and exotic themes. His works often depict idyllic scenes from Tahiti, infused with rich, vibrant colors and symbolic elements. Notable pieces like "Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?" showcase his unique style, which blends elements of primitivism and mysticism. Gauguin's focus on symbolism and the use of color to convey deeper meanings influenced the Symbolist movement and beyond, encouraging artists to explore new ways of expressing complex ideas and emotions.
The vibrant world of Post-Impressionism in Canada
A fresh wave of artists aimed to depict the beauty and variety of the Canadian landscape. The prominent figures, known as the Group of Seven, a group of Canadian painters, utilized Post-Impressionist methods to produce vivid portrayals of the nation's natural environment.
Emily Carr, John Lyman, and Lawren Harris stand as pillars of Canadian art, each contributing uniquely to the nation's rich artistic tapestry.
Emily Carr liberated the traditional Canadian landscape painting from its staid roots by infusing her work with modern techniques such as large, loose brushstrokes, nods to Post-Impressionism, mood-conveying color and drama, and a sense of sculptural dimensionality.
Her exposure to Post-Impressionism in France, particularly the work of artists like Paul Gauguin, led her to adopt a more expressive and colorful approach. Her paintings often feature bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a dynamic sense of movement, capturing the spirit of the natural world and the cultural richness of Indigenous communities. She was one of the first artists to document the totem poles and villages of the First Nations people, approaching her subjects with respect and sensitivity. Her work played a crucial role in preserving these cultural artifacts and raising awareness about their significance.
John Lyman was a pivotal figure in Canadian art. His ability to blend traditional techniques with modernist principles allowed him to create works that are both visually striking and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting legacy in the Canadian art world.
Beyond his contributions as an artist, Lyman played a crucial role in fostering the development of modern art in Canada. In 1939, he founded the Contemporary Arts Society in Montreal, which aimed to promote and support modern art and artists in Canada.
Lawren Harris believed that "art is a realm of life between our mundane everyday world and the world of the Spirit".
"Visible nature is but a distorted reflection of a more perfect world," Harris wrote, "and the creative individual viewing her is inspired to perceive within and behind her many garments that which is timeless and entirely beautiful".
Harris's image is simplified and highly stylized, with a graphic Art Deco quality. Harris's previously expressive brushwork has given way here to smooth and evenly applied paint, removing any trace of the human process; colours are used symbolically, the blue expressing transcendence and the white, unity.
"North Shore, Lake Superior" (1926): This painting is one of Harris's most famous works and exemplifies his mature style. The composition features sweeping lines and a cool color palette, creating a sense of serenity and majesty.
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