Fauvism was an early 20th century art style characterized by vibrant, exaggerated color and a spontaneous approach to painting. The term "fauves", meaning "wild beasts", was first used by an art critic to describe these artists whose work featured thick brushstrokes and non-naturalistic colors. Key figures included Henri Matisse, André Derain, and Maurice de Vlaminck. While short-lived as a cohesive movement, lasting from around 1900 to 1908, Fauvism had a significant influence on freeing color from realism and extending the boundaries of artistic expression.

1. Fauvism
(1900 – 1920)
Mohammed Aneez
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2. How it began
• Experimentation in all areas New art styles evolved rapidly
• Term “fauves” (wild beasts) first used by art critic
• Most wanted pleasant or subdued scenes for wall art
• Found paint application unpleasant
• Originally based on a series of friendships
• Never used term “fauve” themselves
• Differing styles
• Connected by common techniques and concepts

3. Characteristics
• Exaggerated, vibrant color
• Use of contrasting colors
to create volume and
structure
• Broad brushstrokes
• Moderately thick paint
application
• Simplified drawing
• Solid planes of color
• A source of light
• Subject matter:
- portrait - still life
- landscape - cityscape
• Color as the subject
(independent of
natural appearance)
• Art as vehicle for
artist’s emotions
• Not just piece of art, a
journey
• All pictorial elements
realized with color
• Not represent
perceptual world, take
viewer beyond reality

4. Heroes of fauvism
• Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Studied law- Began painting at 20-Sculptor-Studied under Moreau-
Focused on tradition.
• Preferred the female portraits - Felt intensified color, reduce detail
• André Derain (1880-1954) favorite haunt of the Impressionists-had to Chose engineering-Served in
the military- Soon after, began studying art
• influenced by a more traditional painting- Went to extremes of intensity and anti-naturalism
• Maurice de Vlaminck (1876-1958) Served in the military-cyclist, musician, actor, and novelist-
Self-taught artist-contempt for museums
• Impulsive style- Short, choppy brushstrokes- not all use of color was “pure”-Experimented with pointillism

5. Fauvism Draws to a Close
• Lost momentum by 1908
• Environment of experimentation also meant styles quickly developed, then
were often quickly modified or abandoned
• Nearly all of the Fauves branched out from Fauvism
• Made impression on artists, from many different countries, that were
drawn to Paris during period of development
• Liberated use of color for future movements
• Freed painting from serving symbolic or narrative ends
• Extended boundaries of representation
• Techniques adopted and developed by German Expressionists

7. Thank you