Improvision: Orphic Art in the Age of Jazz

The assumption that the most appropriate paradigm for non-figurative art was music, particularly Western art music (classical music), has been central to the development of abstract art. However, jazz, a music that originated with African Americans and had a profound impact on European artistic sensibilities, is the musical form that is abstract art's true twin, sharing creative techniques of rhythm, groove, gesture, and improvisation. This book sets out to theorize affinities and connections between and across two seemingly diverse cultural phenomena.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the early decades of the 20th century, a pivotal notion emerged in the realm of abstract art: the belief that music held the key to unlocking the expressive potential of non-figurative art. This notion, most famously articulated by the influential figure of Walter Pater, gained widespread recognition and was primarily associated with Western art music, particularly classical music. However, it is important to note that the true counterpart of abstract art in the musical realm is jazz, a genre that originated with African Americans but had a profound impact on European artistic sensibilities.

Both art forms share a rich tapestry of creative techniques, including rhythm, groove, gesture, and improvisation. This book aims to explore and theorize the affinities and connections between these seemingly diverse cultural phenomena.

In the early 20th century, a significant shift occurred in the artistic landscape, with a growing emphasis on abstraction and non-representational forms. This movement was driven by a desire to break free from the constraints of traditional representational art and explore new expressive possibilities. One of the key figures in this artistic revolution was Walter Pater, a British writer and critic who played a pivotal role in shaping public perception of art.

Pater's belief in the supremacy of music as the ideal medium for non-figurative art was a radical departure from the prevailing artistic conventions of the time. He argued that music possessed a unique ability to convey emotions and ideas without relying on visual imagery, making it the perfect complement to abstract art. Pater's vision was widely accepted and influential, and it helped to establish the notion that music could be considered a form of abstract art in its own right.

However, it is worth noting that Pater's notion of music as the sole paradigm for non-figurative art was not universally accepted. Many artists and critics argued that other forms of art, such as painting and sculpture, also had the potential to express abstract ideas and emotions. These critics pointed out that music was not the only medium capable of creating abstract forms and that other artistic disciplines could be used to achieve similar results.

Despite these debates, the influence of Pater's ideas on the development of abstract art was profound. His belief in the power of music to convey abstract ideas helped to inspire a generation of artists to explore new artistic territories. Many artists began to experiment with sound and rhythm, using them as the basis for their work. This led to the emergence of new genres of music, such as jazz and experimental music, which were characterized by their use of abstract forms and non-traditional musical structures.

In addition to its influence on music, Pater's notion of music as the ideal medium for non-figurative art also had a significant impact on the development of visual art. Many artists began to incorporate musical elements into their work, such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, creating a sense of movement and energy that was previously unseen in traditional art forms. This led to the emergence of new movements in visual art, such as abstract expressionism and minimalism, which were characterized by their use of bold colors, simple forms, and a focus on the emotional impact of the work.

Despite the widespread acceptance of Pater's ideas, it is important to note that his notion of music as the sole paradigm for non-figurative art was not without its critics. Some artists and critics argued that music was not a universal language and that it could not be used to express the same range of emotions and ideas as other art forms. They pointed to the fact that music was often associated with specific cultural contexts.

Despite these criticisms, the influence of Pater's ideas on the development of abstract art and other artistic disciplines remains significant. His belief in the power of music to convey abstract ideas helped to inspire a generation of artists to explore new artistic territories and push the boundaries of what was possible in art. His ideas continue to be debated and discussed by artists and critics today, and they continue to shape the way we think about art and its role in our lives.

In conclusion, the notion that music held the key to unlocking the expressive potential of non-figurative art in the early decades of the 20th century was a pivotal belief that shaped the development of abstract art and other artistic disciplines. While Pater's notion was primarily associated with Western art music, it is important to recognize that jazz, a genre that originated with African Americans, was the true counterpart of abstract art in the musical realm. Both art forms share creative techniques of rhythm, groove, gesture, and improvisation, and this book aims to explore and theorize the affinities and connections between these seemingly diverse cultural phenomena. Pater's ideas continue to be debated and discussed by artists and critics today, and they continue to shape the way.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350203426