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Synthetic Cubism was a later phase of Cubism that emerged around 1912 and lasted until approximately 1914. This phase followed Analytical Cubism and introduced new techniques, including collage and mixed media, into Cubist artworks.
Synthetic Cubism saw the widespread adoption of collage as a technique. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque began incorporating various materials, such as newspaper clippings, wallpaper, fabric, and other found objects, into their compositions. These materials were often pasted onto the surface of the canvas, creating layers of texture and meaning.
In Synthetic Cubism, artists continued the Cubist practice of fragmenting and reassembling forms, but with a more decorative and playful approach. Collage allowed artists to introduce elements of everyday life into their artworks, such as letters, numbers, advertisements, and other ephemera. These fragments were often reassembled in unexpected ways, creating compositions that were visually dynamic and conceptually rich.
The use of collage in Synthetic Cubism expanded the visual vocabulary of Cubist artworks. By incorporating real-world materials and found objects, artists were able to introduce new textures, colors, and patterns into their compositions. Collage also allowed artists to explore themes such as consumer culture, identity, and the nature of representation in innovative ways.
In addition to collage, Synthetic Cubist artists experimented with other mixed media techniques, such as stenciling, stamping, and drawing. These techniques allowed artists to further enrich their compositions with a variety of textures and marks. Mixed media became an integral part of Synthetic Cubism, allowing artists to push the boundaries of artistic expression and creativity.
The use of collage and mixed media in Synthetic Cubism had significant conceptual implications. By incorporating fragments of everyday life into their artworks, artists were able to engage with contemporary issues and challenge conventional understandings of art and society. Collage allowed artists to blur the boundaries between high and low culture, while mixed media techniques expanded the possibilities of artistic expression.
Synthetic Cubism represented a period of innovation and experimentation within the Cubist movement. The introduction of collage and mixed media techniques allowed artists to create compositions that were visually striking, conceptually rich, and ahead of their time. Synthetic Cubism laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in modern art and continues to influence artists to this day.