mymodernmet.com: In 1874, several artists based in Paris banded together to hold an independent art show. Later known as the Impressionists, these figures took it upon themselves to present their own paintings, prints, and sculptures, bypassing an external selection process. Today, this may seem like standard practice. In 19th-century France, however, it was considered a radical move, as it subverted the Salon.
2 comments:
This is my first time hearing of the The Salon. I guess looking through notable artworks, it's not hard to tell that there was a specific group of people approving it and that these works had to fit certain standards. At some point many of them had the same themes and looked fairly the same. I get that art went through various periods so, rightfully, they'll be similar, but having to fit into these standards explains why lots of French paintings were as similar as they were. In terms of art and what art is meant to be, I think it was shallow of an elite group of people to have such expectations for artworks. I understand the want to have a few select pieces showcased in The Salon, however, because of the nature of creativity, they should have thought to broaden the guidelines here. I commend the people who started the Salon of the Refused and the others. Clealy some great works have come out of these radical movements. Some may say that they are better off than those of The Salon. You cannot put artist in a box and expect them produce great works. Can you tell a writer that they are only allowed to write about certain topics in order to be on the best selling authors lists? No. This stuff comes from within, and regardless of the genre, theme, subject matter, or style, it can still be considered as the highest quality. In the same tone, you cannot have one group of people from the same background determining what is considered to be worthy of recognition, especially when it comes to art.
I have heard of The Salon before in some art classes and some of my french classes, but this is the first article I have read about it in english. I have not heard of the Salons that came after the original and it is really wonderful to read about. I have always had a soft spot for french art, though I know it is probably put on a pedestal far too often, and focused on over other works and movements far too much. However the entire art community in Paris throughout these centuries is so incredibly interesting. Art styles changed fairly rapidly during this time and it was always traditionalists fighting against the modernists, which is very reminiscent of how the art community around the world has always been. It brings up the interesting notion of what the modern Salon equivalent would be, and if it already exists, possibly in many various ways. The incoming generation of artists will always fight their way to the forefront of society.
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