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A Paris Bridge (1933) by Alice Bailly

A Paris Bridge (1933) by Alice Bailly 

Alice Alice Bailly: A Pioneer of Swiss Avant-Garde Art, from Cubism to Dada to Surrealism… You Have To See Her Wool Paintings!

 

 

 

Alice Bailly was a Swiss avant-garde painter who was born in Geneva in 1872. She was one of the most radical painters in the early decades of the 20th century, and her work explored a variety of styles, including Fauvism, Cubism, Futurism, and Dada.

Bailly was born to a modestly situated family, but her mother, a German teacher, instilled in her a love of culture and learning. She began studying art at the École des Demoiselles in Geneva, and in 1904 she moved to Paris to continue her studies at the Académie Julian.

 

Still Life With Mimosas (1911) by Alice Bailly

 

In Paris, Bailly befriended a number of other avant-garde artists, including Juan Gris, Francis Picabia, and Marie Laurencin. She was inspired by the bold colors and forms of Fauvism, and her early paintings were influenced by this style. In 1908, her work was included in the Salon d'Automne, where it was praised by critics for its originality.

 

Bailly’s Sister Louisa (1913) by Alice Bailly

 

Bailly continued to experiment with different styles throughout her career. In the early 1910s, she developed her own variation of Cubism, which was characterized by its geometric forms and flattened perspective. She also experimented with Futurism, and her paintings from this period often depicted movement and energy.

 

Battle of Tolochenaz (1916) by Alice Bailly

 

Alice Bailly was a pioneer of the Cubist movement, and she is known for her innovative use of wool in her paintings. In her wool paintings, Bailly would cut and arrange strands of wool in different patterns to create abstract forms. This technique allowed her to create a sense of depth and movement in her paintings that was not possible with traditional paintbrushes.

 

Self-Portrait (1917) by Alice Bailly

 

Alice Bailly's Dadaist Dance of Abstraction

Alice Bailly was also involved in the Dada movement, which was a radical art movement that emerged in the early 20th century. Dada artists rejected traditional forms of art and expression, and they often used humor, irony, and collage to create their work. In her Dadaist paintings, Bailly would often use bold colors and abstract forms to create a sense of chaos and disorder.

At the Ball  (1927) by Alice Bailly

 

Alice Bailly's Bold and Beautiful Fauvist Landscapes

Alice Bailly was also influenced by the Fauvist movement, which was known for its use of bold colors and simplified forms. In her Fauvist landscapes, Bailly would often depict the natural world in a way that was both expressive and beautiful. Her paintings are full of vibrant colors and energetic brushstrokes, and they capture the essence of the natural world in a truly unique way.

 

 

 

 

 

Geneva Harbor (1915) by Alice Bailly

 

Alice Bailly's Surreal Visions of the Modern World

Alice Bailly was also interested in Surrealism, which was a movement that explored the subconscious mind and the irrational. In her Surrealist paintings, Bailly would often depict strange and dreamlike imagery. Her paintings are full of distorted figures, floating objects, and impossible perspectives. They offer a fascinating glimpse into Bailly's inner world.

The Triumph of Abstract (1985) by Alice Bailly

 

During World War I, Bailly returned to Switzerland, where she became involved in the Dada movement. Dada was an anti-art movement that rejected traditional forms of expression, and Bailly's work from this period reflected this sensibility. She created collages, photomontages, and "wool paintings," which were mixed media works that used short strands of colored yarn to create abstract patterns.

 

 

 

After the war, Bailly settled in Lausanne, Switzerland where she continued to paint and exhibit her work. She was a founding member of the Salon des Tuileries, and her paintings were shown in major exhibitions throughout Europe. She died in 1938 at the age of 65.

 

Afternoon Tea (1914) by Alice Bailly

 

Alice Bailly was a pioneering artist who made significant contributions to the development of modern art. Her work was bold, innovative, and expressive, and it continues to inspire artists today.

Elephant at Circus (1922) by Alice Bailly

 

A Pioneer of Swiss Avant-Garde Art: Bailly was one of the pioneers of Swiss avant-garde art. She was involved in the Cubist, Dada, and Surrealist movements, and she helped to introduce these radical new art movements to Switzerland.

 

Country Memories (1924) by Alice Bailly

 

From Cubism to Dada to Surrealism: Bailly experimented with a wide range of styles and techniques throughout her career. She was initially influenced by Cubism, but she later turned to Dada and Surrealism. Her work is characterized by its bold colors, innovative use of materials, and exploration of abstract and dreamlike imagery.

 

La Cantatrice (1923) by Alice Bailly

 

In addition to her artistic achievements, Bailly was also a passionate advocate for women's rights. She was a member of the Union des Femmes Artistes Modernes, and she spoke out against the discrimination that women faced in the art world. She was a role model for other women artists, and she helped to pave the way for future generations of female artists.

 

 

Bailly was a complex and fascinating figure. She was a talented artist, a dedicated activist, and a passionate individual. Her life and work are a testament to the power of art to inspire and challenge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landscape at Orsay (1913) by Alice Bailly

 

She was not just a Cubist or a Dadaist or a Surrealist, but a true avant-garde artist who experimented with a wide range of styles and techniques. I find the most fascinating style-techniques that she worked with is her wool paintings.