Futurism

Definition

Futurism was an avant-garde artistic and social movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century, emphasizing themes of modernity, technology, speed, and violence. The movement celebrated dynamic energy, the impact of technology on life, and often rejected the past in favor of a new cultural landscape. Its influence can be seen across various art forms, including painting, sculpture, literature, and performance art, as it intersected with other movements such as Dada and Surrealism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Futurism was founded by Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti in 1909 with the publication of the 'Futurist Manifesto,' which called for a rejection of the past and an embrace of modernity.
2. The movement celebrated technology and speed, exemplified by the fascination with automobiles and the energy of urban life, which artists sought to capture in their work.
3. Futurists often glorified war as a means of achieving renewal and transformation in society, leading to controversial connections with militarism and nationalism.
4. Futurism influenced other art movements such as Dada and Surrealism, although the latter two often took a more critical stance toward society and technology.
5. The movement experienced a decline after World War I due to its association with fascist ideologies and the disillusionment that followed the war.

Review Questions

• How did Futurism's focus on technology and modernity influence the development of Dada in Zurich?
  • Futurism's emphasis on technology and modernity significantly influenced Dada's development by providing a counterpoint to traditional artistic values. While Futurists celebrated technological progress and speed, Dada artists reacted against the devastation of World War I, questioning the role of technology in society. This tension led Dadaists to adopt absurdity and anti-art principles as a critique of contemporary culture, creating a complex relationship between the two movements where Futurism’s ideals were both embraced and challenged.
• Discuss how Raoul Hausmann’s work reflected Futurist ideas while simultaneously critiquing them.
  • Raoul Hausmann’s work, particularly his photomontages, reflected certain Futurist ideas such as dynamism and the use of modern materials but also critiqued its glorification of technology and war. Hausmann aimed to expose the irrationalities of modern life through juxtaposition and collage techniques that highlighted fragmentation rather than unified form. This critical approach allowed him to engage with Futurist themes while ultimately questioning their implications in a post-war society marked by disillusionment.
• Evaluate the impact of Futurism on André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto and how it shaped surrealist groups' ideologies.
  • Futurism had a profound impact on André Breton’s Surrealist Manifesto as it introduced concepts of revolutionizing art through modernity and new technologies. However, while Futurists celebrated violence and war as transformative forces, Surrealists sought to explore the unconscious mind and dreams as avenues for liberation from societal constraints. This distinction highlighted a divergence where surrealist groups adopted some Futurist principles but ultimately emphasized psychological exploration over a purely mechanistic worldview, thus reshaping avant-garde ideologies into a more complex dialogue about existence in modern times.

Related terms

Cubism:

An art movement that broke away from traditional representation by using geometric shapes and fragmented forms to depict subjects from multiple viewpoints.

Dada:

An anti-art movement that emerged during World War I, rejecting established aesthetics and conventions to create works that were often nonsensical and absurd.

Manifesto: A public declaration of intentions, motives, or views of an individual or group, often associated with avant-garde movements to promote radical changes in art and culture.