The New Realists - Pierre Restany

The New Realists: A Revolutionary Movement in Art

In the mid-twentieth century, the art world was undergoing a period of profound change. The traditional boundaries of painting and sculpture were being challenged, and new forms of expression were emerging. At the forefront of this revolution was a group of artists known as the New Realists.

Led by the French critic Pierre Restany, the New Realists sought to create an art that was both rooted in reality and yet transcended it. They rejected the abstract expressionism that had dominated the art world in the years following World War II, arguing that it was too removed from the everyday experiences of people. Instead, they turned to the world around them for inspiration, incorporating everyday objects and materials into their work.

The New Realists were also influenced by the rise of popular culture, and they often used images and symbols from advertising, film, and television in their work. This helped to make their art more accessible to a wider audience, and it also reflected the changing nature of society in the postwar era.

Key Figures of the New Realist Movement

Some of the most important figures of the New Realist movement include:

• Yves Klein: Klein was a French artist who is best known for his use of a single color, International Klein Blue, in his paintings and sculptures. He also created a number of performance pieces, including one in which he jumped off a roof into a pile of mattresses.
• Arman: Arman was a French-American artist who is best known for his accumulations, which were assemblages of everyday objects. He also created a number of sculptures made from destroyed objects, such as cars and pianos.
• César: César was a French sculptor who is best known for his compressions, which were sculptures made from crushed cars. He also created a number of other sculptures made from found objects, such as scrap metal and plastic.
• Mimmo Rotella: Rotella was an Italian artist who is best known for his décollages, which were made by tearing away layers of posters from walls. He also created a number of other works using found materials, such as newspapers and magazines.

The Legacy of the New Realists

The New Realists had a profound impact on the development of contemporary art. Their work helped to break down the traditional boundaries of painting and sculpture, and it opened up new possibilities for artistic expression. The New Realists also helped to make art more accessible to a wider audience, and they played a key role in the development of popular culture.

Today, the work of the New Realists can be found in museums and galleries around the world. Their art continues to inspire and challenge viewers, and it remains a vital part of the history of contemporary art.

Why You Should Read The New Realists

If you are interested in learning more about the New Realists, I highly recommend reading Pierre Restany's book, The New Realists. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the movement, and it includes detailed discussions of the work of its key figures. Restany's writing is clear and engaging, and he provides a wealth of insights into the New Realists' ideas and motivations.

The New Realists is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art. It is a fascinating and informative book that will give you a new understanding of one of the most important art movements of the twentieth century.