For some reason I was thinking about cubism while driving into work today. I'm not sure why - Lord knows I've tried - but I just cannot make myself like it. At all...
Don't get me wrong, I respect cubism a great deal. I just don't enjoy looking at it. It makes me uncomfortable. Undoubtedly, it accomplishes its aims, but it's not pretty.
I respect cubism in the way that I respect Jerry Springer and Dennis Rodman. Say what you will about their means, but they have been very successful individuals. I respect them for going out in the world and making their mark. I don't like them. I do respect them. Perhaps I'm sick!?
Cubism has a permanent place in art history. It's too early to tell what, if any, place Springer and Rodman will hold in our collective history 50 years from now. Perhaps they'll be known as the fathers of reality tv or badboy/showman athletes. Who knows?
So, to cub(ick!)ism, Springer, and Rodman, congratulations on your success (significant or not). I respect you... I'm just not going to look at you!!
Sorry to hear this - Cubism is the most important thing to come from Modernism - and I'm not talking as an academic, but as a working artist. It's a profound shift inhow to represent something. Hav you read David Hockney's writings about Picasso and cubism?
Posted by: shreve | Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 08:38 AM
Hi Shreve, thanks for commenting. I have no doubts that cubism is the most important thing to come from Modernism. However, you made the best point... for a working artist trying to represent something. You'll see in my future posts when I discuss my own art, I am far from representational. And that's just the way I choose to work. A figurative artist, for example, probably identifies much more closely with cubism. Personally, I identify with Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism (seems conflicting doesn't it? sometimes I feel conflicted!). So it is not hard to see why I don't enjoy looking at a cubist work.
I tried, perhaps unsuccessfully, to make the point that without a doubt, cubism was/is very important. However, my personal tastes are such that I don't enjoy looking at a cubist work. Frankly, I think it's ugly. The Jerry Springer is undoubtedly ugly too, but it has made a significant impact on the reality tv world. Who knows if Fear Factor or The Swan would be around today without the Jerry Springer Show?
To sum up, I truly believe that cubism is important. I respect it a great deal. But... I'd rather not look at the four paintings I show in my post. Cubism, to me, is a necessary evil.
Oh yeah, I have not read the Hockney book you mention, but I will try to locate a copy of it. Admittedly, I am far from a cubism expert, which is why I wanted to focus solely on the visual aspects of the genre. I need to learn more!
Posted by: J.T. | Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at 10:29 AM
i think the pictures a really sexy,i would love to lick them, they make me horny .
Posted by: Danielle suddeby | Friday, June 17, 2005 at 05:37 AM
it is real disapointment that you do not like cubisim as I LOVE it as it gets skin deep and really gets to the heart of things and you can really tell what they are about!!!!!!!
Posted by: niamh mc allister | Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Cubism and protocubism are my favorite Pablo Picasso periods. I think that like the artist himself these styles of painting are defined by their internal contradictions!
I think you need to approach the art with an understanding of the artist. Picasso was a man of deep contradictions. For example, Picasso was a self avowed communist, however, Picasso was also one of the world's wealthiest artists, leaving his heirs an estate valued at $260 million ($1.5 billion in 2008 dollars) when he died in 1973. Pablo Picasso once remarked, 'I like to live like a poor man, except with lots of money'.
Take a look at this collection of Pablo Picasso Cubism Protocubism and Rose Period paintings
Posted by: Ian Blackburn | Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 06:39 AM
What artist did the second work??
Posted by: Caitlin | Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 10:42 PM
At first I despised cubism, but then I looked at it as if there was a picture behind the tumble of squares that distorted the scene.
It then just struck me as genius.
Posted by: Cassandra | Saturday, May 09, 2009 at 03:55 AM
I agree 100% that Cubism is genius. But it is also some of the ugliest art ever made. I appreciate its historical significance, but I don't want to look at it.
Posted by: J.T. Kirkland | Saturday, May 09, 2009 at 10:03 AM
What Is The Second Picture Name
Only Im Studying Her At School And
Me Or My Teacher Dont Know The Name
For It
Beth
x x x x x x x
Posted by: Beth Parker | Monday, May 11, 2009 at 11:24 AM
2nd one is called weeping woman
Posted by: abdi | Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 10:04 AM