Futurism. An avant-garde artistic and social movement that originated in Italy in the early 20th century. Founded by Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti with the publication of his “Manifesto of Futurism” in 1909, the movement emphasized dynamism, speed, technology, youth, and modernity.

Key Characteristics

• Glorification of modern technology and urban life
• Emphasis on speed, dynamism, and violence
• Rejection of traditional artistic values and the past
• Exploration of new forms of expression in various art forms

Artistic Domains

Futurism influenced multiple artistic domains, including:

• Literature
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Architecture
• Music
• Theatre
• Film
• Fashion
• Industrial design

Literature

Futurist literature was characterized by:

• Unexpected combinations of images
• Hyper-concision in both economy of speech and length
• “Parole in libertà” (word autonomy), rejecting traditional meter and syntax1

Notable works include Marinetti’s “Manifesto of Futurism” (1909) and Aldo Palazzeschi’s “Man of Smoke” (1911)1.

Visual Arts

Futurist painting and sculpture focused on:

• Depicting movement and speed
• Fragmentation of form
• Bold colors and dynamic compositions

Key artists included Umberto Boccioni, Giacomo Balla, and Gino Severini2.

Influence and Legacy

Futurism influenced several subsequent art movements, including:

• Art Deco
• Constructivism
• Surrealism
• Dada
• Precisionism
• Rayonism
• Vorticism2

While primarily an Italian phenomenon, parallel movements emerged in other countries, particularly Russia2.

Criticism

Despite its innovative approach, Futurism faced criticism for its:

• Glorification of violence and war
• Nationalist tendencies
• Misogynistic attitudes in some of its manifestos

Notable Figures

• Filippo Tommaso Marinetti (founder)
• Umberto Boccioni
• Carlo Carrà
• Giacomo Balla
• Gino Severini
• Luigi Russolo2

Futurism’s impact on 20th-century art and culture was significant, challenging traditional artistic norms and paving the way for new forms of expression across various creative disciplines.

Major Avant-garde Movements

Several key avant-garde movements have shaped artistic and cultural history:

• Dadaism – A reaction against World War I, emphasizing absurdity and anti-art aesthetics.
• Surrealism – Rooted in the unconscious mind, surrealist works often defy logic and reality.
• Futurism – Focused on technology, speed, and modernity, rejecting past traditions.
• Abstract Expressionism – A post-World War II movement characterized by spontaneous and emotive art.
• Conceptual Art – Prioritizing ideas over traditional artistic techniques and forms.

See Also: Italian Futurism