Tachisme facts for kids
Tachisme is an exciting French art style that was popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Artists who used this style painted with large, sweeping brush strokes. They often let paint drip and blob directly onto the canvas, sometimes even squeezing it straight from the tube! It was all about being spontaneous and showing emotion through the paint itself.
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What is Tachisme?
Tachisme comes from the French word "tache," which means "stain" or "blot." This name perfectly describes the look of the paintings. It's a type of abstract art, meaning it doesn't show real-life objects or people. Instead, it focuses on colors, shapes, and textures.
How Did Tachisme Start?
Tachisme began in Paris, France, right after World War II. After the war, many artists felt a need to express themselves freely. They wanted to break away from traditional art rules. This led to a new wave of artistic freedom and experimentation.
Key Features of Tachisme Art
Tachisme paintings have several unique characteristics:
- Spontaneous brushwork: Artists painted quickly and without much planning. It was about the moment.
- Drips and blobs: Paint was often applied thickly, creating interesting textures. Drips and splatters were common.
- Abstract forms: You won't see clear pictures of things. The art is about feelings and energy.
- Focus on color and texture: Colors were often bold and mixed directly on the canvas. The way the paint felt was important.
- Emotional expression: The art was a way for artists to show their inner thoughts and feelings.
Tachisme and Other Art Styles
Tachisme is part of a larger art movement called Art Informel (meaning "unformed art"). This movement included many artists who wanted to move away from strict, geometric abstract art. They preferred a more free and intuitive way of painting.
Tachisme vs. Abstract Expressionism
Tachisme is very similar to an American art style called Abstract Expressionism. Both styles developed around the same time and shared many ideas.
- Similarities: Both used large, energetic brushstrokes and focused on abstract forms. Both were about expressing emotion.
- Differences: Abstract Expressionism often had a more dramatic, large-scale feel. Tachisme was sometimes seen as more refined or elegant, though still very free.
Famous Tachisme Artists
Many talented artists contributed to the Tachisme movement. Here are a few important ones:
- Georges Mathieu: Known for his very fast and dramatic painting style. He often painted in front of an audience.
- Jean Fautrier: His work often used thick layers of paint, creating a textured, almost sculptural surface.
- Pierre Soulages: Famous for his "Outrenoir" (beyond black) paintings, which explore the reflections of light on black surfaces.
- Serge Poliakoff: His paintings used interlocking, colorful shapes, but still had a spontaneous feel.
- Wols (Alfred Otto Wolfgang Schulze): His early works were very influential, showing a raw and intense approach to abstraction.
The Impact of Tachisme
Tachisme was an important step in the history of modern art. It helped artists explore new ways of painting and expressing themselves. It showed that art didn't always have to be about perfect pictures. It could be about the process of painting itself, the materials, and the artist's feelings. This freedom influenced many artists who came after them.
See also
In Spanish: Tachismo para niños
