Jean-Pierre Yvaral

Ever wondered why there are paintings and pictures that look like they are moving? These types of paintings and pictures are the products of kinetic art. These movements may depend on the viewers’ perception on the motion of the picture. This term is coined as a virtual movement. It may look like something yet it is apparent that it is only through what the viewer perceives.

Kinetic art is not limited to paintings, still photos and other drawings. Kinetic art can also be attributed to three-dimensional sculptures or any type of figure for that matter, that moves naturally or that is operated using a machine. Most of the time, the power that is used in kinetic art can be just the wind or motor.

The development of kinetic art started in the late 1800s. Kinetic art was influenced by Impressionist artists such as Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Edouard Manet. The discovery of kinetic art started when these artists experimented in highlighting the movements of the human figures on their canvas. Perhaps, this was the reason why kinetic art these three artists did good considering that their paintings where more lifelike than the others.

Among the most famous works of kinetic art are Edouard Manet’s, Le Ballet Espagnol (1862), Edgar Degas, At the Races and L’Orchestre de L’Opera and Claude Monet’s, Atelier sur Seine (1868). These works of art have surely paved the way to other artists to make the human figures more realistic as if they are moving.

Of course, it is certain that some form of artwork that shows virtual movements can only be seen in certain angle or vantage points. This is not uncommon and may be considered as an intentional or unintentional approach by the artist. Given that most often kinetic art is only seen through what the audience perceives, it is more prevalent in artworks that use actual movements.

It was in the early 20th century when kinetic art was more explored through the style of movements. It started when famous artists experimented on stationary sculptures and gave them motion. Although at that time machines and technology were limited, they made use of unpredictable movements by using simple technological enhancements.

Since its evolution and popularity in 1950s, kinetic art was also product by the late action painting artist Jackson Pollock. His desire of creating amazing works of art using unconventional materials such as sticks, made him more famous because of the kinetic art pieces he has produced and exhibited. He mixed different types of techniques including the technique he is widely known for, action painting, and had amazing outcome of virtually moving images.

In the recent years, due to technological advancements, kinetic art has also emerged as one of the most used types of art. Perhaps this is the reason why artists also venture to this type of art because of its limitless possibilities. A lot of exhibitions have already been made to feature wonderful works of art that featured kinetic art at its finest.

References

http://www.kinetic-art.org/

http://intlkineticartevent.org/