Matterism facts for kids
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Matterism, also called Matter Painting, is a special style of art. It focuses on the actual material of the paint itself. Artists who use this style apply paint very thickly. This creates a rough, textured surface on the canvas. Imagine paint so thick it almost looks like clay!
This art style first appeared in Paris, France, in the 1940s. Two important artists, Jean Dubuffet and Jean Fautrier, were among the first to use it. Matterism became very popular in the 1950s. It was a way for artists to express strong feelings through the texture and feel of the paint.
What is Matterism?
Matterism is a painting style where artists use a lot of paint. They apply it in thick layers, which is called impasto. This makes the artwork have a strong, bumpy texture. You can often see the brushstrokes or even tools used to spread the paint. The texture itself becomes a very important part of the art.
This style is a bit like Abstract expressionism. Both focus on expressing emotions and ideas through the act of painting. They use color and form in a non-realistic way. Matterism takes this a step further by making the paint's texture a main feature.
How did Matterism start?
Matterism began in Paris during the 1940s. This was a time when many artists were looking for new ways to create art. They wanted to move away from traditional painting styles. Artists like Jean Fautrier started experimenting with very thick paint. He used it to show the rough and damaged surfaces of things.
The style grew quickly in the 1950s. It became a way for artists to show raw feelings and ideas. They used the paint's texture to add depth and meaning to their work. It was a powerful way to make art that felt very real and immediate.
Key Artists of Matterism
Two artists are especially known for their work in Matterism:
- Jean Fautrier (1898–1989): Fautrier was a French painter. He is often seen as one of the first Matterism artists. His series called "Hostages" (from the 1940s) used thick layers of paint. These works showed the suffering of people during World War II.
- Jean Dubuffet (1901–1985): Dubuffet was another French artist. He was famous for his "Art Brut" (raw art) style. He also used very thick paint and unusual materials in his work. He often included things like sand, tar, and gravel in his paintings. This made his art even more textured and unique.
These artists helped make Matterism an important part of modern art. They showed how paint itself could be a powerful way to express ideas and feelings.
See also
