Vintage Art: Abstract Landscapes by Joaquín Torres-García | 30 Minutes of Relaxing 8K HD Video+Music

Artist: Joaquín Torres-García
(Uruguayan, 1874-1949)

Chapters:
00:00 - City Hall (N.Y.) (1942)
02:31 - New York Street Scene (1920)
05:01 - New York City; Bird’s Eye View (1920)
07:31 - New York Docks (1920)
10:01 - Fourteenth Street (Business Town) (1920)
12:31 - Fourteenth Street (Business Town) (1920)
15:01 - Paisaje de ciudad (1918)
17:31 - Port gris au bateau rose (1928)
20:01 - Ciudad (1941)
22:31 - Gare (1928)
25:01 - Paisaje de playa (1924)
27:31 - Notre Dame (1945)


About Artist:

Joaquín Torres-García (1874–1949) was a Uruguayan artist, theorist, and key figure in the development of modern art in Latin America and Europe. His work spans various styles, including Cubism, Constructivism, and Symbolism, with an emphasis on geometric abstraction. Born in Montevideo, Torres-García spent much of his life abroad in cities like Barcelona, Paris, and New York, before returning to Uruguay in the 1930s, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the country's modern art movement.

In the early 20th century, Torres-García’s time in New York greatly influenced his artistic output. His works like New York Street Scene (1920) and New York City; Bird’s Eye View (1920) capture the vibrant urban landscape, with a focus on geometric forms and architectural elements that reflect the bustling energy of the city. These paintings mark a period in his career where he was experimenting with modernist techniques, inspired by the dynamic environment of New York.

Later in his career, Torres-García developed his signature style, Constructive Universalism, which sought to combine ancient symbols with modern abstraction. Works like Ciudad (1941) reflect this philosophy, blending universal symbols with simplified, structured compositions. His focus on balance, harmony, and universal forms aimed to create art that transcended cultural boundaries.

Through his theoretical writings and his innovative art, Torres-García left a lasting legacy, influencing generations of artists in Latin America and beyond. His unique synthesis of classical and modern ideas has made him one of the most significant Latin American artists of the 20th century.