"The Great Parade," Fernand Léger, 1954. Léger (1881-1955) was a painter, sculptor, and filmmaker, first starting off in his own style of Cubism that he called "Tubism," then branching off into a more general Modernist style that many feel prefigured Pop Art. He had some interesting viewpoints, one being that in Modern art, the painting itself should be what draws attention, rather than merely the subject, an interesting viewpoint. (And it makes sense in the post-photography world.) But he also felt that art should be for everyone, not just wealthy connoisseurs, and this painting is an expression of that. Here we have his rendition of a circus parade, with dancers, acrobats, and clowns all carrying on, entertainment for common people. There's even a big red C for "cirque". We also have what seem to be cameras surrounding the figures as well. The outlined figures overlaid with broad swaths of color is an arresting visual element that draws the eye. It's regarded as his masterwork. From the Guggenheim Museum, New York. #Art #FernandLeger #Modernism #ArtForEveryone #Circus