Art Appreciation: From Wild Beasts to Prophets: Fauvism to Nabis

This course will focus on the colourful and symbolic work of the Nabis and Fauvist Art Movements and the impact their use of an explosive and intense palette of bright, often unmixed colours had on their imagery and on other 20th century contemporary artwork.

By looking at ways the Nabis artists new exploration of the picture surface (pattern and stylisation), we will see how this evolved in the Fauvist artwork in the next century. We will consider how their subject matter sought to reflect life’s pleasures and joys rather than its trials and tribulations Following the work by prominent artists such as Bonnard, Matisse, Derain and Vuillard, we will consider how their influences from Post Impressionist, Symbolism and Japanese Art shaped their concerns. Sessions will be divided in subject matter including Interiors, Cityscapes, Dancers & Bathers, Symbolism and Mystical, Decorative and Applied Art.

No previous experience of Art Appreciation Courses is necessary, but learners should be prepared to build on their critical thinking skills through participation in peer discussion and group work activities such as comparing imagery and consideration of research into the context in which artworks were made.