Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is a body print?

What is a body print?

A body print is an art technique where the artist uses their body as a printing plate. This can be done by smearing grease, margarine, or oil on the skin, hair, and clothes, then pressing the body against a surface like paper. The oiled imprint is then dusted with pigment. Unlike a self-portrait, a body print explores two competing concepts of identity rather than capturing a likeness of the artist. The method emphasizes the physicality of the body while questioning the boundaries between self-representation and abstraction.

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Cynical Realism

Cynical Realism

 (48 Works, 6 for sale)

Cynical Realism is a term first used in 1992 by art critic Li Xianting to describe a group of Beijing artists who created satirical social realist paintings. The group aimed to depict the psychological turmoil experienced in China as the country grappled with new political ideologies.

Artwork by Yue Minjun
Orphism

Orphism

(22 Works, 8 for sale)

Orphism is an abstract style of painting influenced by Cubism, developed by Sonia and Robert Delaunay. The term was coined around 1912 by French poet Guillaume Apollinaire to differentiate the Delaunays' work from Cubism, emphasizing their focus on vibrant color and light. The name Orphism is inspired by the Greek musician Orpheus, symbolizing the movement's lyrical and harmonious qualities.

Artwork by Sonia Delaunay
Late modernism

Late modernism

(2064 Works, 952 for sale)

Late Modernism refers to the continuation and evolution of Modernist principles in art, architecture, and literature from the mid-20th century into the late 20th century. This movement maintains a focus on form, abstraction, and the rejection of traditional styles, but it often incorporates more complexity and ambiguity compared to early Modernism. Late Modernism explores themes such as alienation, identity, and the fragmentation of reality, reflecting the social and cultural shifts of the post-war period. It is seen in the works of architects like Louis Kahn and artists like Francis Bacon, who pushed the boundaries of Modernism while responding to the changing world around them.

Artwork by Roy Lichtenstein

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