Synchromism

The movement’s name, derived from the Greek word “syn” (together) and “chroma” (color), reflects its core philosophy of uniting colors to evoke rhythm and emotion. Synchromism represented a significant shift in American modern art, seeking to establish an innovative visual language that paralleled the emotive power of music while breaking free from European artistic dominance.

Origins and Evolution

Synchromism emerged in the early 1910s as a response to the growing influence of European modernist movements, particularly Cubism and Fauvism. Inspired by the interplay between music and color theory, its founders aimed to create a distinctly American abstract art form.

Foundational Ideas

Morgan Russell and Stanton Macdonald-Wright aimed to establish color as the most critical element of artistic expression, rejecting representational and narrative forms. Influenced by Michel-Eugène Chevreul’s scientific studies on color harmony and Wassily Kandinsky’s theories linking art and music, they developed a methodology that viewed painting as akin to composing a symphony. Each hue was treated like a musical note, carefully arranged to create visual harmony and rhythm. This innovative approach gave their works a dynamic and emotional resonance, marking a significant departure from traditional art forms.

Their emphasis on color and abstraction positioned Synchromism as an early and distinctly American contribution to modern art. Unlike European movements like Cubism, which focused on form and structure, Synchromism celebrated the emotive and transformative potential of color itself. By leveraging the visual parallels to musical compositions, they aimed to create an art form that resonated on both intellectual and sensory levels, offering a universal language of abstraction.

International Recognition

Synchromism quickly attracted international attention, with exhibitions in Europe introducing its innovative ideas to avant-garde audiences. Works by Russell and Macdonald-Wright were showcased alongside those of prominent European modernists, earning critical acclaim for their bold use of color and rhythmic compositions. However, this exposure also led to frequent comparisons with Orphism, a movement pioneered by Robert and Sonia Delaunay, which shared a focus on color abstraction. Although the Synchromists denied direct influence, the overlap in themes and techniques created challenges in distinguishing their movement as unique.

Despite its initial success, Synchromism struggled to sustain its momentum, particularly as movements like Cubism and Futurism dominated the modernist discourse. Its highly theoretical approach to color and abstraction was often overshadowed by these larger, more established movements. Additionally, the lack of a broader group of practitioners limited its ability to evolve and expand beyond its founders. While its influence waned by the 1920s, Synchromism remains a critical milestone in the development of abstract art, paving the way for future explorations of color and rhythm in painting.

Aesthetic Concept

The core principle of Synchromism is that color, independent of form, can evoke movement, rhythm, and emotion, making it a powerful tool for artistic expression. This innovative approach sought to elevate color as the primary means of communication, offering a universal language that transcended traditional artistic boundaries.

Rhythmic Abstraction

Rhythmic abstraction was the cornerstone of Synchromism, where artists used vibrant colors and flowing compositions to create a sense of movement and energy. These paintings avoided linear perspective and realistic forms, instead relying on overlapping hues and dynamic arrangements to suggest depth and vitality. Works like Synchromy in Orange by Morgan Russell illustrate how color relationships could evoke a rhythmic progression, capturing the viewer’s eye and guiding it through the composition in a dance of light and shade.

"Color is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings." – Wassily Kandinsky

This approach wasn’t merely about aesthetics but aimed to engage the viewer on a deeper, sensory level. By orchestrating colors with precision and intuition, Synchromist artists sought to replicate the emotional impact of music through visual means. The result was an immersive experience that encouraged viewers to interpret the painting as a living, evolving entity, where color itself became the subject and narrative of the work.

Musical Analogies

Synchromism’s connection to music was integral to its philosophy, with color serving as the visual equivalent of sound. Stanton Macdonald-Wright, in particular, likened his compositions to musical symphonies, where hues were “notes” arranged into harmonious chords. This analogy was more than metaphorical; the artists believed that the rhythmic flow of color could evoke feelings and sensations similar to listening to music. Paintings such as Color Synchromy by Macdonald-Wright demonstrate this concept, where layered, vibrant hues create a visual “melody” that resonates emotionally.

"In painting, as in music, there must be a harmony of colors corresponding to the harmony of sounds." – Stanton Macdonald-Wright

The movement’s emphasis on musical analogies also reflected its break from traditional art forms, prioritizing abstraction and sensory harmony over narrative or representational content. By translating musical structures into visual terms, Synchromism offered a unique, multisensory art form that could be understood universally. This innovative fusion of disciplines emphasized the transformative power of color and set the movement apart as a pioneering force in modern abstraction.

Themes and Motifs

Synchromism’s themes focused on abstraction, emotion, and the fusion of sensory experiences, often eschewing representational subjects altogether. It emphasized the interplay between color and rhythm, aiming to evoke profound emotional responses through purely visual elements.

The Power of Color

Synchromism elevated color to the forefront of artistic expression, treating it as an independent and transformative force. Unlike traditional art, which relied on form and perspective to convey depth and meaning, Synchromist works used vibrant, interlocking hues to create a sense of movement and structure. Paintings like Morgan Russell’s Synchromy in Blue demonstrate how carefully orchestrated color relationships could evoke spatial depth and emotional resonance. By focusing on the interplay of colors, Synchromists transformed their canvases into visual symphonies, celebrating the sensory power of abstraction.

"The eye is a more powerful instrument than the ear for conveying feeling." – Morgan Russell

The vivid and layered use of color was not merely decorative but integral to the movement’s philosophy. Synchromists believed that color could communicate directly with the viewer, bypassing the need for narrative or figurative content. This approach invited audiences to experience art on a sensory level, engaging with the emotional and rhythmic qualities of color. Their exploration of chromatic possibilities laid the groundwork for future abstract movements, showcasing the boundless potential of color as an artistic medium.

Breaking from Tradition

Synchromism boldly rejected the representational art traditions that had dominated Western art for centuries. Its founders, Morgan Russell and Stanton Macdonald-Wright, sought to distinguish their work from European movements like Cubism by prioritizing abstraction and rhythm over form and narrative. Their paintings broke away from linear perspective and figurative elements, instead creating compositions that celebrated pure visual harmony. This commitment to innovation reflected the broader modernist ethos of challenging conventions and embracing new possibilities.

By positioning itself as an American response to European modernism, Synchromism aimed to establish a unique national identity in the art world. While movements like Cubism and Orphism influenced its development, Synchromism emphasized the distinct cultural and artistic freedom found in the United States. This focus on breaking tradition not only set the movement apart but also paved the way for later abstract art styles, encouraging artists to explore color and rhythm as central elements of creative expression.

Impact and Influence

Although short-lived, Synchromism had a significant impact on modernist abstraction, paving the way for later movements that emphasized color and non-representational art. Its innovative approach to color theory and abstraction inspired future generations of artists to explore the emotional and structural potential of pure color.

Influence on Abstract Art

The emphasis Synchromism placed on color as an autonomous and expressive element profoundly impacted abstract art. Artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, although not directly connected to the movement, adopted its principles by using vibrant, layered hues to evoke emotion and create dynamic compositions. Similarly, the Color Field painters of the mid-20th century, such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, expanded on Synchromism’s approach by using large planes of color to communicate emotional and spiritual depth. These developments underscored the movement’s lasting influence, showcasing how its early exploration of color paved the way for further innovation.

Synchromism also influenced the methodologies of abstract expressionists, particularly in their understanding of rhythm and movement within non-representational art. While Synchromists likened their works to symphonies, later abstract artists adopted this sensibility to explore dynamic, emotive forms. Their shared focus on rhythm, energy, and color as a central force created a bridge between Synchromism and the larger trajectory of abstract art, solidifying its place as a foundational influence.

Legacy and Rediscovery

Although Synchromism was overshadowed by larger movements such as Cubism and Futurism, its principles found renewed appreciation in the late 20th century. Exhibitions highlighting early modern American art have revisited Synchromism as a pioneering effort in abstraction, contextualizing it within the broader evolution of modernist painting. Its innovative use of color and focus on sensory experience have earned it recognition as a significant step in the development of abstract art, particularly in the United States.

"Painting should be as inspiring and free as music." – Stanton Macdonald-Wright

Today, Synchromism is celebrated for its theoretical contributions to color theory and its exploration of art’s multisensory potential. Contemporary artists often cite its influence in their work, drawing on its principles of rhythm, harmony, and the emotive power of color. These rediscoveries ensure that Synchromism remains a vital part of art history, both as an innovative movement in its own right and as a precursor to the abstract experiments that followed.

Representative Examples

Synchromy in Orange by Morgan Russell (1913)

Synchromy in Orange exemplifies Morgan Russell’s exploration of color as a medium for creating movement and rhythm. The painting features swirling patterns of orange and complementary hues, arranged in dynamic, overlapping forms that draw the viewer’s eye across the composition. By carefully balancing warm and cool tones, Russell creates a sense of depth and vibrancy, transforming the canvas into a symphony of color. The interplay between light and shadow evokes the sensation of motion, capturing the essence of Synchromism’s emphasis on rhythm and harmony.

This work also highlights Russell’s mastery of color theory, as the relationships between hues are meticulously calculated to achieve visual resonance. The absence of representational elements allows the viewer to focus entirely on the emotive power of color, making the piece a cornerstone of the Synchromist movement. By elevating color to the primary subject, Synchromy in Orange encapsulates the movement’s revolutionary approach to abstraction and its mission to redefine the boundaries of modern art.

Color Synchromy #3, by Stanton Macdonald-Wright (1915-1916)

In Color Synchromy, Stanton Macdonald-Wright explores the parallels between music and painting through his innovative use of vibrant, layered hues. The composition is a dynamic interplay of bold colors arranged in rhythmic patterns, evoking the feeling of a musical performance rendered in pigment. Macdonald-Wright’s skillful blending of tones and transitions between warm and cool colors create a sense of depth and movement, drawing viewers into a multisensory experience.

This painting reflects Macdonald-Wright’s belief that color could achieve emotional and structural harmony independent of form. The fluidity of the composition invites the viewer to interpret the work intuitively, experiencing the painting as a living, evolving entity. Color Synchromy represents the essence of Synchromism’s philosophy, where the orchestrated interplay of hues mirrors the complexity and beauty of a musical composition, offering an immersive and innovative approach to abstraction.

Synchromy in Blue by Morgan Russell (1913)

Synchromy in Blue demonstrates Morgan Russell’s commitment to using color as the foundation of artistic expression. Blue serves as the dominant hue in this work, with layers of complementary colors woven throughout to create depth and motion. The composition’s swirling forms and overlapping planes evoke a sense of rhythm and energy, inviting viewers to explore the interplay of hues.

This painting reflects the Synchromist belief that color alone can convey emotional and structural complexity. By minimizing the role of form and narrative, Russell allows the viewer to focus entirely on the vibrancy and harmony of the composition. Synchromy in Blue exemplifies the movement’s innovative approach to abstraction, positioning color as the central force in artistic creation and redefining the possibilities of modern art.

Oriental Synchromy by Stanton Macdonald-Wright (1918)

In Oriental Synchromy, Stanton Macdonald-Wright blends Synchromist principles with influences from Eastern art and philosophy. The painting features fluid, flowing compositions that incorporate cultural motifs, creating a rich tapestry of color and form. The use of vibrant hues and intricate patterns reflects the artist’s fascination with the interplay between Western abstraction and Eastern aesthetics.

This work showcases Macdonald-Wright’s ability to merge diverse inspirations into a cohesive and harmonious composition. The rhythmic layering of colors mirrors the movement’s emphasis on musical analogies, while the incorporation of Eastern elements adds depth and complexity. Oriental Synchromy highlights Synchromism’s capacity to transcend cultural boundaries, offering a universal language of abstraction rooted in the power of color.

Decline and Legacy

Synchromism marked a bold step in the evolution of abstract art, emphasizing color as a dynamic and independent force. Although the movement waned in the face of larger modernist trends, its innovative approach to rhythm and harmony in painting ensured its enduring influence on future explorations of abstraction.

Decline and Integration

The decline of Synchromism in the late 1920s was largely due to the emergence of more dominant modernist movements such as Cubism, Futurism, and later, Surrealism. These styles captured the attention of both artists and audiences, leaving Synchromism’s color-centric abstraction overshadowed. Additionally, the movement suffered from a lack of widespread adoption, as its principles remained closely tied to the efforts of its founders, Morgan Russell and Stanton Macdonald-Wright. As they shifted their focus to other artistic pursuits, the movement lost momentum and faded from the forefront of modern art.

However, the core ideas of Synchromism—emphasizing color as an autonomous force—did not disappear entirely. The movement’s principles influenced later abstract artists, who embraced color and rhythm as central elements of their work. Though Synchromism ceased to exist as a distinct movement, its innovations persisted in the broader development of abstraction, serving as a foundation for future explorations in modern art.

Enduring Impact

Synchromism’s lasting legacy lies in its groundbreaking approach to color and abstraction, which paved the way for subsequent movements like Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting. Artists such as Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman expanded on Synchromist ideas, using vibrant, unmodulated color to evoke emotional and spiritual depth. Synchromism also inspired artists to consider the interplay of rhythm and harmony within abstract compositions, enriching the language of non-representational art.

The movement has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with exhibitions and scholarly studies revisiting its contributions to modern art. Synchromist works are now appreciated for their innovative use of color and their theoretical approach to abstraction, which helped bridge the gap between European modernism and the emerging American avant-garde. Today, Synchromism is recognized not only as a pivotal moment in the history of abstraction but also as a testament to the transformative potential of color in visual art.

Conclusion: Synchromism was a groundbreaking movement that redefined the role of color in art, emphasizing its potential as a standalone medium for expression. Although short-lived, its exploration of abstraction and sensory harmony left a lasting legacy, influencing the trajectory of American modernism and beyond.

Visual Examples