Since November 11 commemorates the end of the first world war what could be more timely than 1914! The Avant-Garde and The Great War, an art exhibit at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid.
The show is presented in 13 section from Darkness over the World to C'est la guerre.
Their exhibit notes puts the show in context:
"The period inmediately prior to the outbreak of war in 1914 coincided
with a highpoint of activity among the avant-garde movements. In
addition, the experience of World War I exercised a powerful influence
on the work of numerous artist during this period. Featuring around 180
works, this exhibition offers a survey of the development of new
international art between approximately 1913 and 1917. Through the work
of dozens of artist from the main artistic movements of the day
-Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Vorticism, Abstraction, etc.- it
reflects this artistically conflictive period. The exhibition looks at
the different trends in new international art at this time; the role
that the avant-garde assumed in relation to the events of the war
(often a prophetic or apocalyptic one); and the way that the new
cultural languages were able to express pro-war attitudes or
denunciatory ones in the face of the madness of the conflict."
with a highpoint of activity among the avant-garde movements. In
addition, the experience of World War I exercised a powerful influence
on the work of numerous artist during this period. Featuring around 180
works, this exhibition offers a survey of the development of new
international art between approximately 1913 and 1917. Through the work
of dozens of artist from the main artistic movements of the day
-Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Vorticism, Abstraction, etc.- it
reflects this artistically conflictive period. The exhibition looks at
the different trends in new international art at this time; the role
that the avant-garde assumed in relation to the events of the war
(often a prophetic or apocalyptic one); and the way that the new
cultural languages were able to express pro-war attitudes or
denunciatory ones in the face of the madness of the conflict."
This program runs until January 11, 2009.
Cannot make it to Madrid, the museum offers a Virtual Visit for all to enjoy.
In parallel to the Art Exhibit, the museums also offers Film Cycle 1914 with relevant movies.
Thanks to Shaking up the old order in a trio of Madrid exhibitions (Globespotters) for bringing this show to my attention.
Related: Dinner and A Night at the Museum: Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid