Synthetism is a style of art that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against Impressionism. Coined by French artist and critic Maurice Denis, it refers to a fusion or synthesis of different elements from various styles, resulting in a subjective representation of reality.

At its core, synthetism aims to capture the essence of an object, rather than its physical appearance. This style of art emphasizes the use of bold shapes, simplified forms, and vibrant colors to evoke emotions and sensations rather than exact depictions. It is a departure from the realistic approach of Impressionism, which focused on capturing the effects of light and atmosphere.

The birthplace of synthetism can be traced back to the rural region of Pont-Aven in Brittany, France, where a group of avant-garde artists gathered around Paul Gauguin. They rejected the traditional academic approach to art and sought to break free from the constraints of naturalism. Instead, they found inspiration in the primitive and mystical art of non-Western cultures, particularly the art of indigenous peoples in the Pacific Islands.

One of the defining characteristics of synthetism is the use of flat, non-dimensional areas of color to express objects and figures. This technique, known as “cloisonnism,” involves outlining shapes with bold lines and filling them in with vibrant, unshaded colors. By doing so, the artists flattened the image, creating a painting that appears almost like a stained-glass window.

Another essential component of synthetism is the use of simplified shapes and forms. Artists would often reduce objects to their most basic geometric forms or abstract shapes, further emphasizing the symbolic and emotional elements of the artwork. This technique also creates a sense of unity and harmony within the composition.

In addition to simplifying shapes, synthetist artists also employed a technique known as “arabesque,” where figures and objects are intertwined, creating a sense of rhythm and movement within the artwork. This technique is evident in Gauguin’s famous painting, “Vision After the Sermon,” where the figures are intertwined and portrayed in a flattened, decorative manner.

One of the most well-known artists associated with synthetism is Paul Gauguin. His works often featured bold colors, flattened shapes, and a focus on the spiritual and primitive. Some of his most iconic pieces include “The Yellow Christ” and “Tahiti Women on the Beach.”

Other notable artists who embraced synthetism include Émile Bernard, Émile Schuffenecker, and Charles Laval. While these artists all had their unique styles, they shared a common goal of capturing the essence of the subject and conveying emotions through the use of color and form.

In conclusion, synthetism is a style of art that emerged as a reaction against Impressionism and sought to break free from traditional academic techniques and realistic depictions. Through the use of bold colors, simplified forms, and flattened shapes, artists aimed to create a subjective and emotional representation of reality. With its focus on the decorative and symbolic, synthetism remains a significant movement in the history of art and continues to inspire artists today.