The Nouveau Réalisme movement was an art period ahead of its time. From the post-World War II era of the late 1940s up until the depths of the 1960s, Nouveau Réalisme impacted the art community through an array of artists. Founders Pierre Restany and Yves Klein instructed what was known as the Manifest of Nouveau Réalisme in 1960, which allowed contributing artists to adapt to a new era of creativity. The artists during this period exemplified works varying in diverse art mediums. “Nouveau Réalisme encompassed a variety of styles and techniques, ranging from large, visually seductive monochrome canvases to disconcertingly violent sculptures made out of crushed automobiles.” (Arnason, H. Mansfield, E. 2012). With the change in perspectives and artworks, new possibilities to bring awareness of political, environmental, and mental health concerns spread to the subsequent generations of artists.
Familiar works of the Nouveau Réalisme period are Fire Painting (1961) by Yves Klein, Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Running Fence (1967), and César’s crushed metalwork piece, The Yellow Buick (1961). The variety of objects, paintings, and projects influenced the contemporary art of the 21st century, differentiating it from any art movement of the past. Unlike Dadaism and Surrealism, the primary focus on unique objects overwhelmed artists contributing to the 1960s art movement. It was to expand the minds and ideas of what art meant to the individual that changed the course of art history in the 20th century.
Ideas of what was considered artwork changed throughout the Nouveau Réalisme period, pushing the previous boundaries of traditional work. During the rise in the Nouveau Réalisme movement, individuals grew known as the Situationists. “Lasting from 1957 to 1972, the Situationist International was composed of European artists and thinkers who subscribed to broadly leftist, even anarchist, ideas.” (Arnason, H. Mansfield, E. 2012). These individuals promoted anti-art, moving art, and living art that would demolish the physical sense of artwork.
Both the Nouveau Réalisme and Situationists of the post-war era explain how being different worked for the artistry during a time of unrest and sought-after peace. The creative individuals made it their goal to be unique. Looking through the artworks and reading about artists from the mid-20th century allow Christians today to correlate the ideas of anti-tradition with the outlook of sin and faith. In Scripture, it reminds believers not to follow the world. However, it explains to follow Christ and be different. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV Bible). I believe this Christian perspective allows artists and creatives today to view past art history movements with hope, understanding, and respect. Having a better comprehension of the mindset of the artists during the Nouveau Réalisme period can better further the witness that could be done in art communities today.
For more articles on Nouveau Réalisme please visit:
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/n/nouveau-realisme
Hannah J. Pasquini © 2022
References:
Arnason, H., H. and Elizabeth C. Mansfield. History of Modern Art. Available from: Liberty University Online Bookshelf, (7th Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2012. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780205953233/pageid/461 & https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780205953233/pageid/470
The English Standard (ESV) Bible Romans 12:2
