Los Nabis: del Simbolismo al Japonismo.

Introduction to the Nabis Movement

Overview of Artistic Influences

• In the late 19th century, a group of young Parisian artists developed a new pictorial language influenced by various styles including Gauguin, Seurat, symbolism, and Art Nouveau. This movement aimed to create a high-impact synthesis for future art.

Resuming Activities

• The speaker welcomes viewers back after a month and a half hiatus, encouraging subscriptions for those watching at different times. They mention returning with new equipment and express excitement about resuming content creation.

Focus on the Nabis

• Today's discussion centers on the Nabis, an exotic group that warrants deeper exploration beyond previous short videos. The speaker emphasizes the complexity of late 19th-century art trends and how these artists sought to balance collective projects with personal artistic inquiries.

Contextualizing the Nabis Movement

Historical Background

• The video situates itself around 1888-1890 when Impressionism was established but not at the forefront of avant-garde movements anymore. New independent ideas were emerging as artists sought public acceptance while grappling with their unique expressions.

Symbolism's Influence

• Symbolism emerged as an elitist movement that many found difficult to understand; it encompassed more than just visual arts but also philosophical concepts. This led to new explorations in color usage rather than merely capturing external impressions.

Gauguin's Role in the Nabis Movement

Emergence of New Heroes

• Paul Gauguin is highlighted as a pivotal figure within Symbolism who inspired younger artists seeking alternative paths in their work despite his initial surprise at gaining followers among them. His approach combined personal synthesis with broader artistic influences.

Personal Struggles and Artistic Development

• During this period, Gauguin faced personal crises including separation from his wife and financial instability which led him to focus solely on painting and sculpture while exploring new environments like Pont-Aven in Brittany where he formed connections with other artists.

Influence of Emil Bernard

Introduction of Young Artists

• Emil Bernard, a 19-year-old artist deeply interested in various cultural aspects such as symbolist poetry and Wagner’s music, emerges during this time seeking knowledge and inspiration from established figures like Gauguin while navigating his own aesthetic journey.

Bernard's Influence on Synthetic Painting

The Superiority of Synthesis Over Analysis

• Bernard advocated for the superiority of synthesis in painting, seeking a synthetic approach that transcended traditional analysis.

• His influence sparked an interest in a new type of painting for artists like Gauguin, focusing on color and imagery beyond formal aspects.

Tensions Between Artists

• Gauguin began to develop his own synthetic style, leading to tensions with Bernard as he started teaching new followers while sidelining Bernard.

• This rivalry left Bernard feeling overshadowed by Gauguin's rising prominence in the art world.

Emergence of Paul Cézanne

• A young artist named Paul Cézanne entered the scene, sharing similar artistic pursuits and training at Académie Julian.

• Cézanne sought guidance from both Bernard and Gauguin, initially connecting more with Bernard due to Gauguin's controversial reputation.

Influences and Artistic Development

• During his time with Gauguin, Cézanne received practical advice on how to approach painting landscapes, which significantly influenced his work.

• Under Gauguin’s mentorship, Cézanne created "The Talisman," a small landscape painted on a matchbox that marked a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.

Departure from Impressionism

• The resulting artwork showcased simplified forms and colors driven by emotion rather than objective perception.

• This shift represented a departure from Impressionism’s mimetic principles towards an emphasis on color and sensation over figurative representation.

Liberation Through New Techniques

• The innovative techniques encouraged by Gauguin liberated artists from traditional constraints of representation, paving the way for future non-representational art movements.

• When Cézanne presented "The Talisman" back at Académie Julian, it was seen as revolutionary—a "magic box" that symbolized freedom from conventional artistic expectations.

Art and Emotion: The Role of Goken and Lucier

The Concept of Art

• Goken articulates that "art is what you see, art is the emotion it evokes," emphasizing the subjective experience of visual art.

• He refers to a "magical box" as something iconic, suggesting that true art transcends mere aesthetics and becomes a talismanic object.

Formation of the Navi Group

• Lucier leads a group of young artists interested in exploring new artistic expressions, naming them "Navi," which means prophet in Hebrew.

• This group perceives themselves as initiates into a new form of art, hinting at their secretive society's nature typical for the era.

Artistic Influences and Philosophical Underpinnings

• During a trip to Brittany, Seruier writes about his belief in a final judgment for those who degrade sublime art with base feelings, indicating deep philosophical convictions.

• The text chosen by Seruier reflects their complex interests—embracing influences from Gogen while also engaging with Symbolist intellectual trends and Neoplatonic philosophy.

Individual Contributions within the Group

• Each member brings unique perspectives; Cerusier influences Gogen’s approach to painting by integrating philosophical ideas into his practice.

• Unlike others who preferred Parisian comforts, Cerusier ventures into nature to paint rustic scenes, showcasing individual commitment to their craft.

Secret Meetings and Artistic Identity

• The group meets regularly at Paul Ransón's house, which serves as an appropriate venue for their secretive gatherings focused on artistic discussions.

• Members adopt nicknames reflecting their artistic identities; for instance, Mogis is known as the "Navi of beautiful icons," highlighting personal branding within the collective.

Exploring Symbolism in Art

The Role of Symbols and Color in Artistic Expression

• Discussion on the rich symbolism present in art, particularly focusing on elements like the five-pointed star and pentagram, which carry various meanings.

• Introduction to Paul Ganson's work, emphasizing his connection to Naví practices and talismanic ideas through color perception and tonal purity.

• Analysis of a specific piece by Ganson that showcases personal intensity and audacity, reflecting synthetic theories and symbolist reflections with decorative elements.

• Exploration of themes such as esoteric symbolism, sensuality, nature, spirituality, and their connections to artists like Odilon Redon and Gustav Mogó.

• Noting Ransón's departure from existential melancholy towards more mythological or religious narratives while seeking escape from everyday life.

Mori de Ní: A Compendium of Ideas

• Introduction to Mori de Ní as a pivotal figure who encapsulates many ideas within the Naví group; he was both a painter and writer involved in the symbolist movement.

• Emphasis on his belief that painting should transcend mere representation of nature while maintaining its essence; he focused on evocative imagery.

• Discussion on how de Ní balanced subjective emotional deformation with objective representation to create unique compositions.

• Examination of his work "La subida del calvario," highlighting its powerful synthesis influenced by poetry and emotional depth.

• Description of compositional techniques used in his paintings, including diagonal arrangements that enhance narrative depth.

Distinctive Styles Among Naví Artists

• Overview of the diversity within Naví artists' styles; noting how they cannot be defined solely by technique due to varying approaches among them.

• Mention of influences from different artistic movements such as Japanese art (japonismo), Renaissance recovery, and their unique interpretations of mystery and wonder.

• Contrast between Ransón’s mystical approach versus Bonard’s focus on decorativeness without deep spiritual engagement or interest in traditional themes like Calvary scenes.

• Insight into Bonard's artistic philosophy which blends Japanese print influences with an emphasis on decorative aspects rather than thematic depth found in other works.

• Recognition that Bonard's perspective is not limited to japonismo but also includes distinctive character representations across his artworks.

Artistic Exploration of Intimacy and Contemporary Life

Thematic Overview

• The discussion centers on the decorative aspects of art, emphasizing a synthetic vision that evokes contemporary themes rather than traditional ones.

• A specific artwork is highlighted, depicting Clude Terase, a composer, in an intimate setting with notable details like his attire and smoking pipe.

• The composition features a striking hand crossing the scene, holding a long pipe that releases smoke, creating an impactful visual effect reminiscent of decorative arabesques.

Artistic Techniques and Atmosphere

• The painting creates a warm yet mysterious atmosphere through spatial reduction, inviting viewers to examine details closely.

• Bonard's work reflects contemporary life with playful elements such as dancers and passersby, showcasing rhythmic painting techniques influenced by Japanese aesthetics.

Expressionism and Symbolism

• Bonard's unique portrayal of subjects often leans towards expressionism, revealing pure desire intertwined with symbolism.

• One notable piece features one of Bonard's first nudes; its title "La Indolente" suggests contradictions between the title and the subject’s tense posture.

Contradictions in Interpretation

• The title "La Indolente" contrasts sharply with the depicted figure's tension and gesture, challenging viewers' interpretations of relaxation versus tension.

• An electric blue haze permeates the space around the figure, adding layers of intrigue while evoking both attraction and unease.

Intimacy in Art

• Another artwork presents characters seemingly isolated within themselves; this introspective quality marks a shift from previous portrayals of familiar figures.

• The influence between Bonard and Williard highlights their shared focus on intimate themes within their artistic expressions.

Complexity in Relationships

• A sophisticated depiction showcases lovers separated by a screen; varying perspectives create fluidity in how they are viewed by spectators.

• This interplay raises questions about observation—who sees whom—and emphasizes secretive dynamics within shared spaces.

Nature and Humanity Connection

• Bonard’s exploration extends into human relationships with nature, reflecting themes reminiscent of neocentisme where nature holds superiority over humanity.

Bonar y el Grupo Naví

Representación de Figuras en Paisajes

• Bonar es destacado por su forma de representar figuras en paisajes, lo que se considera un caso interesante dentro del arte.

• Se menciona a Russell, cuñado de Williard, quien busca adaptar el estilo naví al rococó de Fragonard.

Escultores Navís

• George Lacomb es presentado como un escultor naví poco conocido que también pintaba; se especializaba en tallar madera.

• Lacomb creó un conjunto de cuatro paneles de madera que representaban etapas de la vida común, desde el amor hasta la muerte.

Claves Ocultas y Esoterismo

• Lacomb incorporaba claves ocultas en sus obras, lo que añade una capa esotérica a su trabajo artístico.

• Se menciona a Cesan como un referente para los navís; él conectaba literatura y arte, influyendo en artistas contemporáneos.

Ruptura con Tradiciones Artísticas

• La frase "Para el artista ver es concebir y concebir es componer" resalta la ruptura con las tradiciones artísticas anteriores al Renacimiento.

• Mor Denise enfatiza que una pintura debe ser vista como una superficie plana cubierta de colores, destacando la importancia del sintetismo.

Reflexiones sobre el Arte Naví

• El mérito del grupo naví radica en su reflexión profunda sobre la pintura como medio artístico.

• Se anticipa un desarrollo más profundo sobre cada artista individualmente debido a su rica producción artística.

Conclusión y Participación del Público

• Se invita al público a participar comentando si conocen a los navís o desean profundizar en algún artista específico.

• Se anima a los espectadores a seguir el canal para futuras charlas sobre arte y actualizaciones relacionadas.