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Synthetism was a movement within Post-Impressionism that emerged in the late 19th century, primarily associated with the French artists Paul Gauguin and Émile Bernard. The term “synthetism” derives from the Greek word “synthesis,” meaning to combine or blend, reflecting the movement’s emphasis on simplifying forms and synthesizing elements of reality into a cohesive whole.
Synthetist artists sought to move beyond mere representation and capture the essence or “synthesis” of their subjects through symbolic imagery and simplified forms. They were inspired by the spiritual and emotional qualities of art and sought to express their inner experiences through their work. Synthetism was closely related to Symbolism, with both movements emphasizing subjective expression and the exploration of deeper, more universal truths.
A hallmark of Synthetism was its use of simplified forms and bold colors to convey emotional and symbolic content. Artists flattened spatial depth and distorted naturalistic forms, reducing them to their essential shapes and colors. The emphasis was on creating compositions that were visually striking and emotionally resonant, rather than strictly realistic.
Synthetist artists were influenced by non-Western art traditions, particularly the art of indigenous cultures in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. They admired the simplicity, spirituality, and expressive power of non-Western art, incorporating elements of these traditions into their own work. This influence can be seen in the stylized forms, decorative patterns, and symbolic imagery found in Synthetist paintings.
Paul Gauguin and Émile Bernard were among the leading figures associated with Synthetism. Gauguin’s paintings from his time in Brittany, such as “Vision After the Sermon” and “The Yellow Christ,” exemplify the Synthetist aesthetic with their simplified forms, bold colors, and symbolic content. Bernard’s works, such as “Breton Women in the Meadow” and “Harvest in Brittany,” also demonstrate the Synthetist approach to painting.
Synthetism had a significant impact on the development of modern art, influencing subsequent movements such as Fauvism, Expressionism, and Cubism. Its emphasis on subjective expression, symbolic imagery, and the synthesis of elements from diverse cultural traditions paved the way for new modes of artistic expression that prioritized individual creativity and emotional resonance. The legacy of Synthetism continues to resonate in contemporary art practices, reminding us of the enduring importance of experimentation, innovation, and the pursuit of deeper, more universal truths.