Cubism, a movement born on canvas, has expanded its reach into the realm of interior design, injecting spaces with innovation, complexity, and artistic depth. The principles of Cubism (geometric shapes, asymmetry, the play of light and shadow, and harmonious dissonance ) have revolutionized the way we perceive and design interior spaces, even today. All the shapes, perspectives, angles, and colors take a different approach, which was previously uncommon.
Cubism began in 1907, based on the work of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Cubists question different artistic concepts and the artists avoid being defined in any conventional way.
Departing from conventional perspectives, Cubist artists portrayed subjects from multiple angles and viewpoints, deconstructing and reassembling forms in geometric shapes. This fragmentation of reality into abstract facets became a hallmark of the movement. The philosophy underlying Cubism challenged the notion that art should replicate reality; instead, it aimed to capture the essence of objects and subjects more profoundly.
Just like the Cubist artists reimagined reality on canvas, interior designers are incorporating these principles to reimagine living spaces. The integration of Cubism into interior design is characterized by an emphasis on geometric shapes, asymmetry, and a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. By employing these elements, designers create visually stimulating environments that evoke a sense of innovation and creativity.
Interior designers are forging a path that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of creativity. Cubism in interior design invites us to experience spaces in a new dimension, where art and functionality converge in a captivating dance of form and imagination.
Cubism in Interior Design
Just as an artist employs various techniques to express their vision, interior designers draw inspiration from different artistic movements to shape their designs. One such movement that has significantly influenced interior design is Cubism. Central to Cubism is the use of geometric shapes – squares, rectangles, triangles, and polygons – to reconstruct reality. These shapes are finding their way into interior design through furniture, decor, and architectural details. From modular sofas with angular silhouettes to tables featuring intricate polygonal patterns, geometric shapes lend a sense of modernity and complexity to spaces. Asymmetry in furniture placement, wall arrangements, and even lighting fixtures introduces an element of surprise and dynamism. It challenges the notion of predictability and encourages a more immersive exploration of the space. The deliberate disruption of symmetry adds a touch of avant-garde to interior designs, making them intriguing and memorable.
Cubism is known for its intricate interplay of light and shadow, which contributes to the illusion of depth and volume. In interior design, this interplay is achieved through strategic lighting choices and the use of reflective surfaces. The arrangement of light sources at varying angles creates multidimensional effects on surfaces, casting captivating shadows that transform with the viewer’s movement. Mirrors and reflective materials amplify this effect, making spaces feel larger and more enigmatic.
Image: Jr Korpa
