Brutalism

A raw art

Brutalist art, also called Brutalism, is an artistic and architectural movement that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in Europe and North America.

The first examples of brutalist architecture can be found in the buildings of the Franco-Swiss multidisciplinary artist Le Corbusier such as the villa Savoye or the Cité radieuse in Marseille.
Brutalism is said to have its origins in the French “brut”, used by Le Corbusier to designate the wild, natural and primitive aspect of concrete when used without transformation.

Brutalism is characterized by the use of raw materials, such as raw concrete, and simple geometric shapes.
Brutalist buildings are often massive and imposing, with angular lines and rough surfaces.

Architecture

The most famous examples of brutalist architecture include the Center Pompidou in Paris, the Barbican Center in London, and structures by architect Oscar Niemeyer.

One of the most iconic examples of brutalist art is the Center Pompidou in Paris, designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers.
Opened in 1977, the building is famous for its use of raw concrete, steel and glass. The bold and innovative design of the Center Pompidou has inspired many other buildings around the world.

Another famous example of brutalist art is the Barbican Center in London. Designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, the building was constructed in the 1960s and 1970s and houses a theater, concert hall and art gallery. The Barbican Center is also famous for its brutalist residential tower, which houses over 2,000 apartments.

Finally, the Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer is also associated with the brutalist movement. Niemeyer designed many public buildings in Brazil in the 1950s and 1960s, including the headquarters of the Brazilian Communist Party in Rio de Janeiro and the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. These buildings are characterized by their use of raw concrete, simple geometric shapes and open spaces.

Japanese artist Tadao Ando is an architect who creates brutalist buildings from raw materials such as concrete. Ando is known for his innovative use of space and light, as well as his attention to detail and craftsmanship in his work.

Art

Brutalist art manifests itself in a wide variety of artistic disciplines, including sculpture, photography, painting.
The most famous artists of brutalism include Carl Andre, Anselm Kiefer, Tony Cragg, Lewis Baltz, Antoni Tàpies.

American artist Carl Andre is known for his brutalist work. Andre creates minimalist sculptures from raw materials, such as concrete blocks, stone slabs and steel plates. His works have been exhibited in museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London.

Anselm Kiefer is a German artist who creates brutal and moving works of art. Kiefer often uses raw materials, such as concrete, lead and ashes, to create paintings, sculptures and installations. His works deal with themes such as history, memory and culture.

British sculptor Tony Cragg creates abstract and organic sculptures from raw materials such as wood, glass, metal and plastic. His works are often massive and imposing, with angular shapes and rough surfaces. Cragg is known for his innovative use of color and texture in his work.

American photographer Lewis Baltz is associated with the New Topographics movement, which emerged in the 1970s and focused on urban and industrial landscapes. Baltz photographed industrial buildings, warehouses and parking lots, highlighting their massive character and brutal aesthetics.

The Spanish painter Antoni Tàpies created abstract works of art from raw materials such as sand, cement and earth. His paintings are characterized by rough surfaces and simple geometric shapes, which evoke architecture and construction.

brutalist furniture

Brutalist furniture is also an expression of this artistic and architectural movement.
The most famous designers of brutalist furniture include Paul Evans, Wendell Castle et Pierre Chapo.

One of the most iconic designers of brutalist furniture is Paul Evans. Evans, who worked in New York in the 1960s and 1970s, created sculptural pieces of furniture from raw metals, such as bronze, copper and brass. His most famous designs include cabinets, coffee tables and shelves.

Another designer who created brutalist furniture is Wendell Castle. He worked in the 1960s and 1970s creating organic pieces of furniture from raw wood and composite materials. His most famous designs include armchairs, coffee tables and beds.

Finally, the French designer Pierre Chapo also created brutalist furniture. Chapo, who worked in the 1950s and 1960s, created pieces of furniture in raw wood, characterized by simple geometric lines and angular shapes. His most famous designs include bookshelves, coffee tables and benches.

The influence of brutalism

Brutalism is a bold and innovative artistic and architectural movement that marked the 20th century. Its influence still continues today, whether in the field of the arts or in architecture. It is also associated with other decorative styles such as the industrial or factory style, which lends itself perfectly to the use of simple shapes and raw materials.