Core Concept - The Nabi movement emerged in late 19th century Paris as a response to the limitations of Impressionism, aiming to redefine the essence and meaning of painting through new perspectives and expressions [1][5] Group 1: Artistic Ideology - The Nabi artists were influenced by Symbolism, Japanese ukiyo-e, and medieval religious art, believing that art should be a subjective recreation of nature rather than mere replication [2] - Maurice Denis articulated the Nabi manifesto, emphasizing the independence and importance of color, line, and composition, liberating painting from the faithful depiction of reality [2] - Symbolism served as a core element of Nabi ideology, using colors and shapes to convey deep emotions and thoughts, with specific colors representing various feelings [2] Group 2: Artistic Techniques - The Nabi artists adopted a flat representation style from Japanese ukiyo-e and medieval wall paintings, rejecting traditional Western perspectives to create decorative and rhythmic visual effects [2] - Their approach allowed for a more expressive representation of the artist's subjective intentions, enhancing the aesthetic quality of their works [2] Group 3: Notable Artists and Their Works - Pierre Bonnard was known for his warm and poetic depictions of domestic life, using subtle color variations to create intimate atmospheres in works like "Nude in the Sunlight" [3] - Édouard Vuillard captured the beauty of everyday moments, blending figures with their environments in a harmonious manner, exemplified in "Mother and Sister" [3] - Maurice Denis, as a theorist, combined religious symbolism with abstract forms, showcasing his respect for Cézanne in "Homage to Cézanne" while pursuing formal purity [3] Group 4: Influence on Future Art Movements - The Nabi movement is recognized as a bridge between Impressionism and Modernism, influencing later movements such as Fauvism and Cubism through its exploration of color and form [4] - Their integration of painting with decorative design impacted the Art Nouveau movement, providing aesthetic references for modern decorative arts [4] - The focus on private spaces and inner experiences established a modern paradigm for "interior painting," laying the groundwork for the development of "everyday aesthetics" in the 20th century [4] Group 5: Lasting Legacy - Despite its brief existence, the Nabi movement's values and practices continue to resonate in the art world, reflecting a persistent quest for the essence of art and a profound understanding of the human spirit [5]

Core Viewpoint - Ferdinand Loyen Du Puigaudeau, a lesser-known artist of the Nabi movement, left a significant mark on art history with works like "Autumn Walk," blending decorative elements with post-impressionist color philosophy [1][2]. Group 1: Artistic Style and Influence - Puigaudeau's artistic journey was closely tied to the natural landscapes of Brittany, where he sought authenticity away from urban life, resulting in works imbued with tranquility and mystery [2][3]. - His painting "Autumn Walk" transcends realistic representation, utilizing Nabi decorative composition and vibrant post-impressionist colors to create a poetic space between reality and imagination [2][4]. - The artist's palette, derived from the earth and dew of Brittany, features warm tones symbolizing life's twilight and cool tones indicating seasonal change, achieving a delicate balance in the artwork [2][3]. Group 2: Techniques and Composition - Puigaudeau's handling of light and shadow transforms sunlight into irregular geometric color blocks, merging impressionist sensitivity with Nabi decorative thought, thus conveying emotions through visual language [3][4]. - The winding path in the painting serves as a visual axis, symbolizing both a physical and philosophical journey into nature, inviting viewers to explore their inner worlds [3][4]. - His diverse brushwork creates a rhythmic visual experience, with clear foregrounds, rich midgrounds, and hazy backgrounds, enhancing the depth of the composition [4][5]. Group 3: Legacy and Impact - Although Puigaudeau's work was not widely recognized during his lifetime, "Autumn Walk" has been rediscovered for its artistic value and profound exploration of the relationship between nature and the human spirit [4][5]. - The painting has subtly influenced later naturalist artists to reconsider the relationship between representation and expression, serving as an aesthetic reference for contemporary environmental art [5][6]. - "Autumn Walk" represents an ongoing spiritual journey, evoking a shared experience of beauty that transcends time and space, highlighting the essence of art [6].

Core Viewpoint - The exhibition "Creating Modernity: Artistic Treasures from the Musée d'Orsay" showcases over a hundred masterpieces from the mid-19th to early 20th century, aiming to break the isolation of individual artists and art movements, while highlighting the interconnectedness of artists and their times [1][6][10]. Group 1: Exhibition Overview - The exhibition opens on June 18 at the Pudong Art Museum and is the largest ever held by the Musée d'Orsay in China [1]. - Curator Stéphane Guégan emphasizes the selection of artworks based on "excellence," including lesser-known pieces that reflect high artistic standards [1][9]. - The exhibition spans from the classical works of Jérôme and Cabanel to the modern expressions of Bonnard, illustrating the evolution of artistic themes such as the depiction of the nude [5][6]. Group 2: Historical Context - The time frame of 1848 to 1914 is significant as it encompasses a period of political upheaval and war in France, which influenced the art of the time [6][10]. - The exhibition reflects the social and political contexts of modernity, with 1848 marking a revolution and 1914 the onset of World War I [6][10]. Group 3: Artistic Themes and Connections - The exhibition aims to surprise audiences familiar with Impressionist artists like Monet and Renoir by introducing them to other significant works and artists [1][10]. - Guégan distinguishes between "modernity" and "modernism," asserting that modernity represents artists' ambitions to depict contemporary life, while modernism is often misinterpreted as a linear progression [9][66]. - The exhibition features notable pairings of artists, such as Manet and Degas, to illustrate their friendships and collaborative spirit within the artistic community of the 19th century [35][40]. Group 4: Lesser-Known Artists - The exhibition also highlights artists like Jérôme and Cabanel, who were once more prominent than the Impressionists but are now less recognized [66]. - Guégan points out the significance of works like Jules Didier's "Portrait of Ulysses Bittan," which reflects the transition of outdoor painting from avant-garde to mainstream acceptance [61][64]. Group 5: Audience Engagement and Reflection - The exhibition seeks to encourage viewers to rethink the meaning of modernity and the relationships between different artistic practices [66][68]. - Guégan hopes that visitors will leave with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of art and its historical context, rather than viewing it as a linear evolution [66][68].