The Cardiff Team - Robert Delaunay

Robert Delaunay

Robert Delaunay, a pivotal figure in early 20th-century abstract art, wasn't content to merely depict the world; he wanted to capture its very essence through pure colour and form. Born in Paris in 1885, Delaunay initially dabbled in Neo-Impressionism before forging his own path, one that would lead to the birth of Orphism. This movement, championed by Delaunay and his wife Sonia, sought to evoke the sensory richness of music through vibrant, non-representational compositions. Delaunay believed that colour itself held the key to unlocking profound emotional and spiritual experiences. His groundbreaking series, *Windows*, exemplifies this pursuit. Forget conventional perspective; Delaunay fragmented the canvas into kaleidoscopic shards of colour, creating a sensation of light, movement, and depth. This exploration of simultaneity – the idea that multiple perspectives and sensations could be experienced at once – became a hallmark of his style. Delaunay's *Eiffel Tower* series offers a Cubist-influenced take on the famous landmark, but with a focus on colour and dynamism that sets it apart. Though he flirted with abstraction, Delaunay never fully abandoned representational elements. His later works, such as *Rhythm No. 1*, demonstrate a masterful synthesis of abstraction and figuration. Delaunay's legacy extends beyond his own artistic output; he profoundly influenced generations of artists who sought to explore the expressive potential of colour and form. His art prints offer a window into a world where colour sings and light dances, enriching any space with their vibrant energy.