Synchromism is an American art movement that originated in the 1920s and 1930s.

It was founded by artist Stanton Macdonald-Wright, who wanted to create a style of painting that would evoke color through light rather than pigments.

The Synchromists believed that color could be used as an expressive tool in itself, they also emphasized the importance of harmony and balance between colors, which they called “color chords.”

The movement’s name comes from its emphasis on color being seen as an essential element in creating artworks–synchronous means occurring at the same time or together

History of Synchromism

The beginnings of Synchromism can be traced back to 1913, when a group of artists led by Arthur B.

Davies began experimenting with a style that combined color and form.

The movement was founded on a manifesto written by Davies and his brother-in-law Jules Pascin (who later became an important figure in his own right).

The manifesto stated their intention “to express ourselves through color” and outlined their belief that “the artist must paint what he sees, not what he knows.”


Synchromism quickly gained popularity among American artists who were interested in exploring new ways of creating art.

However, it wasn’t until after World War I that the movement really began gaining traction among other artists around the world – particularly those living in Europe where they were exposed to American art through exhibitions like The Armory Show (1913) or International Exhibition of Modern Art (1922).

The Art of Synchromism

The Synchromist painters were interested in color theory and the use of shapes to create a sense of movement.

They believed that art should be more than just an imitation of nature, but rather an interpretation of it. “The artist who paints only what he sees before him is not an artist at all,” said Arthur B. Davies (one of the founders). ”

He must see with his mind’s eye, as well as with his physical eyes.

The Synchromists believed that color was the most important element in painting. They wanted their paintings to be vibrant and exciting so that viewers would feel emotions when looking at them.

Influence of Synchromism

The Synchromism movement had a major impact on the Abstract Expressionists and Color Field artists, who were inspired by its use of color and form.

Synchromism’s emphasis on the importance of color theory was influential in modern art movements such as Cubism, Fauvism and Futurism.

Notable Works of Synchromism

  • Arthur Dove’s ‘The Critic’ (1916),
  • Stanton Macdonald-Wright’s ‘Synchromy in Green’ (1917),
  • Morgan Russell’s ‘Synchromy in Orange’ (1917).

Contemporary Synchromism

Modern Synchromists are artists who have been inspired by the Synchromist movement.

They may be working in an abstract or figurative style, but their work shares many of the same characteristics as that of their predecessors.
The 21st century has seen an explosion of interest in Synchromism and its related movements, including Orphism and Neo-Plasticism.

New York’s Museum of Modern Art acquired a number of paintings by Morgan Russell in 2010; these were displayed alongside works by Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky.

At the same time, galleries across America began showing new works by contemporary artists who were using similar techniques to those employed by early 20th-century painters like Robert Delaunay and Jean Metzinger (who was also an important figure within Cubism).

Synchromism Art Movement – Wrap Up

The Synchromism movement had a lasting impact on the art world, and it continues to influence artists today.

The movement’s focus on color and light helped pave the way for abstract expressionism, which became popular in the 1940s and 1950s.
In addition to influencing other styles of painting, Synchromism also inspired a new way of thinking about color itself:

“Color is not just pigment on canvas,” said artist Helen Frankenthaler in an interview with The New York Times in 1962; “it is also light.”