Félix Vallotton, La Visite, 1899

Zürich, Kunsthaus Zürich, 883

https://collection.kunsthaus.ch/en/collection/item/3622/

In Paris in 1889, a group of young art students attended an art exhibition held by Paul Gauguin and his associates. They couldn’t believe their eyes.

Up to this point, their artistic education had been mostly derived from the approved art shown to them by their highly academic teachers. They had seen little of the Impressionists, let alone other new movements which were already forming.

They decided to establish their own group. Colour was king, perspective a sin, and inspiration was drawn from the art of Japan, as well as the everyday life of Paris.

No hierarchy would be observed between fine art and applied art. The work of the printmaker and the interior designer was as valid as that of the easel painters. They needed a name – and chose les Nabis (meaning the Prophets).

And that is what they would be – harbingers not only of Fauvism and Expressionism but also of the Modern Style, which we remember as Art Nouveau.

Among the members of the group, particular attention will be given to Pierre Bonnard, Maurice Denis, and Édouard Vuillard.

Join us as we revel in the language of colour, courtesy of Les Nabis!

RJW F2610 Online (via Zoom)

A 5-hour short course, delivered via 2 x 2½-hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays (Saturday 7 & Saturday 14 March).

£40 (individual registration); £72 (for two people sharing one screen).