Orphism at the Guggenheim:
The Guggenheim’s current exhibition, Harmony & Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910-1930, delves into the vibrant and transcendent art movement coined as "Orphism" by poet and critic Guillaume Apollinaire in 1912. Inspired by the myth of Orpheus, this term encapsulated a new artistic direction that moved beyond Cubism’s fragmented forms and muted palettes to embrace abstraction, radiant colors, and the dynamic rhythm of modern life.
Pioneered by artists such as Sonia and Robert Delaunay, František Kupka, and Francis Picabia, Orphism sought to capture the simultaneity of existence through vivid compositions. These artists explored the profound changes of the early 20th century: faster modes of transport, electric lighting, and urban nightlife. Sonia Delaunay’s Electric Prisms epitomizes this energy, depicting a Paris boulevard illuminated by pulsating colors, reflecting the vibrant simultaneity of city life.
Central to Orphism was the study of color and light. The movement drew on scientific theories, particularly Michel Eugène Chevreul’s principle of "simultaneous contrasts," which demonstrated how juxtaposing opposing colors could create harmony. This foundation allowed Orphists to craft kaleidoscopic works, often featuring circular motifs that evoke motion and energy. Robert Delaunay’s Simultaneous Contrasts: Sun and Moon highlights this approach, with concentric circles radiating light and color inspired by celestial phenomena.
The exhibition also explores the movement’s transnational nature. Though centered in Paris, Orphism’s practitioners hailed from diverse backgrounds. Sonia Delaunay—born in present-day Ukraine—and Kupka from Bohemia exemplified the multicultural influences that enriched their art. The Delaunays hosted salons, fostering a creative exchange that extended to avant-garde circles in Berlin and beyond. Yet when Orphism’s trajectory was disrupted by World War I, the horrors of the conflict shifted many artists away from abstraction toward a more representational style. Despite this, figures like Kupka and Robert Delaunay continued to refine Orphism’s principles, evolving its visual language throughout their careers.
One highlight of the exhibition is Sonia Delaunay’s depiction of "Tango Thursdays" at the Bal Bullier dance hall, where she abstractly captures the movements and rhythms of the tango. Emerging from the working-class neighborhoods of Argentina and Uruguay, the tango arrived in Paris around 1910 and quickly became a sensation for its sensuality and improvisational spirit. It was embraced by Parisians, who flocked to dance halls to experience its vibrant energy. Delaunay’s piece exemplifies the movement’s synthesis of music, dance, and visual art, showcasing Orphism’s ability to evoke multisensory experiences while reflecting the cultural exchange that defined the era.
Harmony & Dissonance, a vibrant glimpse into a fleeting yet transformative moment in art history
At the Guggenheim, until March 9th 2025
