Volume 15

Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso — La Boum by Claude Pinoteau — L’Écume des Jours by Boris Vian

Happy Sunday and welcome to the fifteenth edition of Giselle daydreams! Today I am writing about Pablo Picasso and one of his most famous works besides Guernica; I am referring to Les Demoiselles d’Avignon! I feel very nostalgic these days. Therefore, I decided to feature one of my favourite films from the 1980s and a novel I read over a decade ago.

This edition will be shorter than in the beginning, as Giselle daydreams is a passion project, and as much as I enjoy writing this fortnightly newsletter, I cannot allocate as much time as six months ago. Since I genuinely enjoy writing content for it, reducing the amount of content in each newsletter enables me to keep doing it.

I hope you will enjoy today’s volume focused on art, cinema and literature!

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Art

Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso (1907)

I cannot believe I have not written about Picasso yet! Picasso features among my favourite Modern artists, and I always look forward to visiting museums, exhibitions and art fairs showcasing his extensive work. In this volume, I am discussing one of his most famous works, which is currently on display at MoMA in New York, and I was able to see it when I first visited the US in 2012. Time flies! Since then, I was lucky to visit Picasso's museums in Spain and in France on top of fantastic shows at Frieze Masters. 

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is a pioneering and revolutionary painting by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Created in 1907, it is considered a seminal work in the development of modern art and is often cited as a prime example of the transition from the artistic movements of the 19th century to the avant-garde movements of the 20th century. It is a painting which defies conventions, and invites viewers to reconsider their expectations of art and is also considered a precursor to Cubism.

The title translates to The Young Ladies of Avignon, referring to a street in Barcelona where Picasso had encountered the women who served as an inspiration for the painting. 

The painting is associated with the development of Cubism, a revolutionary art movement pioneered by Picasso and Georges Braque. This work marked a departure from traditional artistic representation, introducing geometric forms and a fragmented, multi-perspective composition. The angular forms, fragmentation of space, and the simultaneous representation of multiple perspectives are early indicators of the Cubist style that would fully develop in his later works.

The composition features five nude female figures in a confrontational and fragmented arrangement. The forms are highly geometric and angular, breaking away from traditional representational styles. The faces are inspired by Iberian and African art, reflecting the influence of non-Western artistic traditions. The figures are presented in a distorted and multi-perspective manner, challenging the viewer's expectations.

Picasso deconstructs the space and form of the figures, breaking them down into geometric shapes and angular lines. This departure from traditional representation challenges the viewer to engage with the painting on a more abstract level, laying the groundwork for the radical shifts in artistic perspective that Cubism would later explore.

Picasso drew inspiration from African and Iberian art, particularly evident in the mask-like faces of the figures. This incorporation of non-Western influences aligns with the Primitivist movement, which sought inspiration from tribal and folk art. The influence of African art can be seen in the masks and the stylised treatment of the faces.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is considered a pivotal work that marks a shift from traditional representational art to a more abstract and conceptual approach. It signifies Picasso's willingness to break away from artistic conventions and explore new possibilities in form and expression. The painting laid the groundwork for the development of Cubism, which would become a dominant force in 20th-century art.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon can be interpreted as a cultural critique, challenging societal norms and expectations related to gender, sexuality, and beauty. The confrontational stance of the figures may be seen as a commentary on the objectification of women in art and society. Indeed, the overt sexuality and the confrontational nature of the painting contribute to its shock value. 

The painting exudes a sense of sexual tension and confrontation. The figures, with their direct gazes and provocative poses, challenge traditional notions of the passive female nude in art. The confrontational nature of the painting is both aesthetic and thematic.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is regarded as a groundbreaking work that challenged the status quo in art. It paved the way for the exploration of new artistic possibilities and had a lasting impact on the trajectory of modern art. 

This painting is considered one of the most important works in the development of modern art. Its influence can be seen in the subsequent development of Cubism and other avant-garde movements. It remains a touchstone for discussions on the evolution of artistic styles in the 20th century.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon initially faced mixed reactions due to its radical departure from traditional artistic conventions. However, it had a profound impact on the art world and influenced subsequent movements, including Cubism and Surrealism, and it gained recognition as a seminal work in the history of art.

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is a complex and influential work that reflects Picasso's avant-garde approach to art, his interest in non-Western aesthetics, and his role in shaping the trajectory of 20th-century artistic movements. Its impact on the trajectory of modern art and its enduring legacy make it a crucial piece in the history of artistic innovation. 

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Cinema

La Boum by Claude Pinoteau (1980)

I’m feeling like sharing an old film for this edition that I watched when I was probably 13 or 14 years old… for those who know how old I am, you know it’s been a while!

I still daydream thinking about the white tee shirt and the blue denim of Sophie Marceau when going to the house party, the 80s vibes and the Parisian life of teenagers and young adults at the time. I also enjoy occasionally to listen to the soundtrack Reality. There is a sequel to this film, La Boum 2 (1982) with another great soundtrack called Your Eyes, which I also watched, but the first film is much better. Let me know in the comments if you like these songs!

La Boum is a French film released in 1980. It was directed by Claude Pinoteau and stars Sophie Marceau in her breakthrough role as a teenager named Vic Beretton. The film follows Vic as she navigates the challenges of adolescence, including friendships, family dynamics, and first love. The film delves into the challenges and experiences of adolescence, including peer pressure, identity formation, and the search for independence. La Boum is a heartfelt portrayal of the joys and challenges of growing up, capturing the universal experiences of adolescence while also providing a nostalgic glimpse into 1980s French culture.

A central focus of the film is Vic's first romantic experiences, particularly her budding romance with Mathieu, played by Alexandre Sterling. It depicts the excitement, confusion, and heartache that often accompany first love. The portrayal of young love is both tender and realistic, capturing the excitement, uncertainty, and heartache that often accompany such relationships.

The protagonist, Vic Beretton, undergoes significant character development throughout the film. She starts as a typical teenage girl, navigating friendships, school, and family relationships, but as the story progresses, she experiences moments of self-discovery and personal growth, particularly in her romantic relationships.

One of the most iconic aspects of La Boum is its soundtrack, which features the hit song Reality performed by Richard Sanderson. The film's success led to a sequel, La Boum 2, released in 1982, which continues the story of Vic's adventures as she grows older. Reality contributes significantly to its atmosphere and emotional impact. The music helps set the tone for key moments in the story and enhances the overall experience for the audience.

La Boum translates to The Party in English, highlighting the importance of social gatherings and events in the characters' lives. These parties serve as settings for key moments in the story and symbolise the excitement and freedom of youth. The parties serve as symbolic spaces where they assert their independence and explore their desires.

La Boum was released in 1980, a time when French society was undergoing cultural shifts, especially regarding youth culture. The film reflects the growing independence and individualism among teenagers during this period, as well as changing attitudes toward relationships and family dynamics. The bonds of friendship play a significant role in Vic's life, as she navigates the complexities of relationships with her peers. The film also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the relationships between parents and children. Vic's interactions with her parents, played by Claude Brasseur and Brigitte Fossey, highlight both the love and tension inherent in familial relationships, as well as differences in attitudes, values, and lifestyle and the challenges of communication across generations.

Claude Pinoteau's direction and the film's cinematography are essential in bringing the story to life. Through visual storytelling techniques, such as framing, lighting, and camera movement, Pinoteau creates a vibrant and immersive world that draws viewers into Vic's journey.

La Boum is not only a charming and nostalgic depiction of adolescence but also a nuanced exploration of youth, identity, and relationships. Throughout the film, Vic grapples with questions of identity and self-discovery, as she tries to navigate her place in the world and determine her own values and beliefs. Vic and her friends grapple with questions of who they are, what they want from life, and how they fit into the world around them. La Boum's enduring popularity and cultural significance make it a beloved classic in French cinema.

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Literature

L’Écume des Jours by Boris Vian (1947)

L'Écume des jours is a novel by French author Boris Vian is translated into English as Froth of the Daydream. 

It is a surrealistic and romantic story that follows the love affair between Colin, a young wealthy man living in a whimsical world, and Chloé, a free-spirited and imaginative young woman. Their love faces challenges when Chloé falls ill with a strange ailment that requires a special flower to cure her, a flower that feeds on Colin's emotions and gradually makes him poor.

L'Écume des jours by Boris Vian explores several prominent complex themes and surrealistic elements throughout its inventive narrative style. The novel explores themes such as love, death, illness, and the human condition, all in highly imaginative and inventive prose. Boris Vian uses poetic language and wordplay to create a unique and captivating universe. 

The central love story between Colin and Chloé serves as a focal point for exploring themes of love, romance, and the complexities of human relationships. Chloé's mysterious illness, which requires a unique treatment, serves as a metaphor for the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The characters grapple with the uncertainty and unfairness of illness, highlighting the human struggle against mortality. Analysing the symbolism of Chloé's illness and its effects on the characters can provide insights into Vian's exploration of life, death, and the fragility of human existence.

Boris Vian's work is deeply rooted in surrealism, characterised by fantastical elements, dreamlike sequences, and absurd situations. The novel's dreamlike atmosphere and fantastical events challenge conventional reality, inviting readers to question the nature of existence and the boundaries of imagination.

Friendship and loyalty are important themes explored in the novel, particularly through the relationship between Colin and his friend Chick. Despite Chick's misguided obsessions and destructive behaviour, Colin remains loyal to him, highlighting the enduring bond of friendship even in the face of adversity.

Tragedy and loss permeate the narrative, as the characters confront adversity and heartbreak. The novel's poignant exploration of loss underscores the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of suffering in life.

The novel celebrates creativity and artistic expression as sources of inspiration and meaning in life. Colin's passion for inventing and creating reflects Vian's belief in the transformative power of art to enrich and illuminate the human experience.

Vian often uses satire and social commentary to critique contemporary society. He criticises consumerism and materialism through the portrayal of characters who are preoccupied with wealth and possessions. The pursuit of material success ultimately proves to be hollow and unsatisfying, emphasising the importance of prioritising love and human connection over material gain.

L'Écume des jours is a rich and multifaceted novel that delves into themes of love, mortality, surrealism, and the human condition. By delving into its themes, characters, and stylistic elements, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of Boris Vian's imaginative vision and artistic achievement. Through its lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling, Boris Vian invites readers to contemplate the profound complexities of existence and the transcendent power of love and creativity. His prose style is marked by its poetic language, wordplay, and inventive imagery. 

L'Écume des jours remains a masterpiece of French literature, and in 2013 the eponymous film was released under Mood Indigo in English with a top-notch cast.

I hope you enjoyed the fifteenth edition of Giselle daydreams.

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Giselle xx