Le Corbusier: Drawing as Process

Le Corbusier, a renowned architect, was also an accomplished painter. This book showcases his artistic journey, including his studies under Léplattenier and the founding of the Purist movement. It highlights his thousands of drawings, which are essential to his creative process, and explores his influences, such as Cubism, Purism, Primitivism, and Surrealism. The book advocates for understanding Le Corbusier alongside other modern artists like Picasso and Léger, providing a deeper context for his architecture and urbanism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2018
Publisher: Yale University Press

Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, also known as Le Corbusier, is a renowned architect and urbanist who significantly impacted the 20th century. While his architectural achievements are well-documented, his artistic production has received less attention. However, it is worth noting that Le Corbusier began his career as a painter. He studied under Charles LÉplattenier and, together with artist Amédée Ozenfant, founded the Purist movement in the manifesto "After Cubism."

Even after Le Corbusier shifted his focus to architecture, he continued to paint and draw. His extensive collection of thousands of drawings, meticulously stored in two watch cabinets from his family home, holds significant importance. He regarded his work as a draftsman as fundamental to his creative process.

Beautifully illustrated with over 300 drawings that have never been published in English before, this revealing book charts the evolution of Le Corbusier's artistic journey. Danièle Pauly delves into how his drawings served as a private reflection zone and situates his work within the broader artistic and intellectual currents of Cubism, Purism, Primitivism, and Surrealism. In addition to providing a valuable new context for understanding Le Corbusier's architecture and urbanism, this important volume advocates for considering him alongside other prominent modern artists such as Pablo Picasso and Fernand Léger.

Le Corbusier's dedication to drawing and painting extended throughout his life, and his artistic production remains a testament to his profound creativity and intellectual curiosity. Through his meticulous drawings, we gain insight into his artistic process and the influences that shaped his architectural and urbanist vision. This book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of Le Corbusier's multifaceted legacy and his place in the history of art and design.

Weight: 1640g
Dimension: 284 x 249 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300230994