Synthetism for Dummies

Synthetism is a term used to describe a specific artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century. This movement was all about simplifying forms and colors in art to their most basic and essential elements. You can think of it as if someone was taking a complex puzzle and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Imagine you have a beautiful landscape painting in front of you. The artist, using the principles of synthetism, would simplify the details of the landscape. Instead of painting every single leaf on a tree or every blade of grass, they would use bold brush strokes and vibrant colors to suggest the foliage. This way, the viewer can still understand and appreciate the beauty of nature without getting overwhelmed by unnecessary details.

Now, let's break down the word "synthetism" itself. The root of the word, "synthesize," means to combine different parts or elements to create something new. In the context of art, this means bringing together various elements, such as forms, colors, and composition, to express a unique vision or emotion. The suffix "-ism" is often added to words to indicate a specific movement or belief system.

So, when we talk about synthetism, we are referring to an artistic movement that emphasizes simplification and synthesis of artistic elements to convey meaning or evoke emotions. It is like using a few simple ingredients to create a delicious and flavorful dish rather than overpowering it with numerous complex flavors.

To put it simply, synthetism in art is all about taking complex subjects and breaking them down into their most essential and simplified forms. It's like painting a picture with broad strokes and vibrant colors to capture the essence of a scene or an emotion. It allows the artist to communicate their unique perspective in a way that is accessible and engaging to the viewer.