Synchromism
DEFINITION
A style of painting focused on pure color and its harmony (synchromy). The theory focused on creating shapes by color delineations rather than sharp lines and juxtaposing the colors to produce interesting effects of the spectrum. The Synchromist movement originated in Paris between 1908 and 1911 by American painters Morgan Russell and Stanton MacDonald-Wright, who painted and studied books on color theory together. It has been called "the first American movement to arise in modern painting" (Phaidon 376) and "the only one of the early 'isms' in international modern art originated by Americans." ("Britannica 555) Synchromism was brought to public attention in the New York Armory Show of 1913. Influences were Claude Monet and Impressionism and the paintings of Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse. With the outbreak of World War I, Russell and Wright ceased their collaboration, but the influence of their work continued. Thomas Hart Benton, friend of Wright, used the work "synchromy" in his titles, and Andrew Dasburg did painting much influenced by Synchromism. Sources: "Phaideon Dictionary of Twentieth Century Art"; "The Britannica Encyclopedia of American Art" (LPD)<br><br>A style of painting employing pure colors in harmonious abstract arrangement, was developed by painters Morgan Russell (American, 1886-1953) and Stanton MacDonald-Wright (American, 1890-1973), and first exhibited in Paris in 1913, then at the Armory Show in 1914.