“If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.” -Marc Chagall
Art in the early 20th century was very exciting and unique with the many radical modernist styles Expressionism, Fauvism, Cubism and Surrealism and Dadaism.
Marc Chagall was a Belorussian-born French painter, printmaker, and designer. He moved from Russia to France after mastering the skill of painting where he practiced fauvism and cubism.
Marc Chagall painted his first self portrait when he was about 25 years old. He created this piece in a studio in Paris where he and 200 fellow artists lived in very poor conditions. Chagall’s experimentation with cubism resulted in an almost puzzle like painting in how reality is broken up and put back together in new ways.
The painting, “I and the Village”, was created a year after Chagall left Russia and depicts his nostalgia for the simple world that he left behind. His playful use of humour, colour and emotion truly transports you to a world filled with magic and wonder.
“The Promenade” was one of of the many paintings that featured Bella Rosenfeld, Chagall’s muse and future wife. The painting mood and emotion reflects Chagall’s happiest time in his life all due to Bella.
Chagall worked on “La Révolution” from 1937 to 1968 after moving back to Russia during the civil war. The painting represents the upheaval in Russia as a circus event. The theme of love and music persisting even through the brutality of war is also seen in some of his later work.
when Chagall moved he started following the surrealism movement that had been very popular. “The Falling Angel” is one of his many pieces that demonstrated dream-like imagery. This painting was completed over the span of 25 years and combines Biblical and Torah lore, the modern world, and Chagall’s personal symbolism.
Marc Chagall died on March 28, 1985 but leaves his legacy as a truly talented artist who created unique work dream-like images expressed emotion and that told stories from his Russian Jewish heritage.
Jeff Burgess
Hannah,
Fine work here on Marc Chagall! You have plenty of solid information combined with personal insights and thoughts on the works in question. Also your admiration for Chagall comes through in a clear and concise writen style. Well done and look forward to your final post.
Jeff
Jeff Burgess
Hannah,
I don’t see your final post here so you will lose two points. Also I’ve corrected the final quiz and your score was 35/50 which translates to a B-. Good work this term and I hope you have great holiday break.
Jeff