Art Movements Unleashed: Visual Journey
Exploring Impressionism, Cubism & Surrealism Year 7 Art & Design A 30-minute exploration of artistic revolution
What is an Art Movement?
A style or tendency in art with a common philosophy Followed by groups of artists during specific time periods Like fashion trends, but for artistic expression Movements respond to cultural and historical changes
Timeline: Three Revolutionary Movements
Impressionism: Capturing Light & Moments
Born in 1870s France Loose, visible brushstrokes Focus on light and its changing qualities Painted outdoors to capture natural light Rejected traditional academic painting rules
What do you notice about this Impressionist style?
Look at the brushwork - can you see individual strokes? How does the artist use light and shadow? What mood or feeling does this create? Why might painting outdoors change an artist's approach?
Cubism: Breaking Reality into Shapes
Developed early 1900s by Picasso and Braque Objects broken into geometric fragments Multiple perspectives shown simultaneously Challenged traditional representation Influenced by African art and modern life
Traditional Art vs. Cubism
{"left":"Shows one viewpoint\nRealistic proportions\nSmooth, blended colors\nRecognizable objects","right":"Shows multiple viewpoints\nFragmented shapes\nBold, contrasting colors\nAbstract interpretation"}
Surrealism: Dreams Made Visual
Emerged in 1920s Europe after WWI Explored the unconscious mind and dreams Unexpected combinations of objects Influenced by Freud's psychoanalysis Created impossible, dreamlike scenes
Quick Sketch Challenge
Choose one movement that interests you most Create a simple sketch using that style: Impressionism: Use loose, quick strokes Cubism: Break an object into geometric shapes Surrealism: Combine unexpected objects
Reflection & Next Steps
Art movements respond to their historical moment Each movement challenged what came before Artists continue to create new movements today Next lesson: Create your own movement-inspired artwork! Which movement will you explore further?