Japanese Art Influence on Nabis

Introduction

The Nabis, a group of Post-Impressionist artists active in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were heavily influenced by Japanese art. This influence is evident in their use of flat colors, simplified forms, and asymmetrical compositions. The Nabis also adopted Japanese motifs, such as fans, umbrellas, and kimonos, into their work.

Historical Context

In the late 19th century, Japan was undergoing a period of rapid modernization and Westernization. This led to an increased interest in Japanese art and culture in Europe. Japanese prints, in particular, were highly prized by European collectors and artists. The Nabis were among the first artists to appreciate the aesthetic value of Japanese prints. They were drawn to the prints' bold colors, simple lines, and unconventional compositions.

Japonism in Nabis Art

The influence of Japanese art on the Nabis is evident in many of their works. For example, Paul Sérusier's painting "The Talisman" (1888) features a group of women dressed in kimonos. The painting's flat colors and simplified forms are reminiscent of Japanese prints. Maurice Denis's painting "The Muses" (1893) also features women dressed in kimonos. The painting's asymmetrical composition and use of negative space are also influenced by Japanese art.

Conclusion

The Nabis' interest in Japanese art was part of a broader trend of Japonism in European art and culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Nabis were among the first artists to appreciate the aesthetic value of Japanese prints and to incorporate Japanese motifs and techniques into their own work. Their work helped to introduce Japanese art to a wider audience in Europe and to lay the foundation for the development of modern art.