TOYS OF THE AVANT-GARDE -ANGLAIS-

The book entitled "Toys of the Avant-Garde" focuses on the close links that the artistic avant-garde movements of the early twentieth century forged with the world of children. The book entitled "Toys of the Avant-Garde" focuses on the close links that the artistic avant-garde movements of the early twentieth century forged with the world of children. This monographic work explores the varied forms that this productive relationship took through a series of more than three hundred illustrations and seven essays by the following figures: the historian, Medea Hoch, from Zurich; the curator of the Decorative Arts Museum of Prague, Iva Knobloch; the Italian historian, Luigi Cavadini; the British historian, Christopher Turner; the Spaniards, Carlos Pérez and Juan Bordes; and the US gallery-owner, Cecilia de Torres.From the very beginning of the avant-garde movement, the expressive potential of the child emerged as a point of reference with regard to a new kind of creativity, which facilitated a closer relationship between the world of children and the world of art. This development was also brought about by the sincere sense of commitment on the part of artists when it came to playing a positive role in constructing a new educational model, together with developments within the family context and even the fact that the creation of toys led to the emergence of certain commercial expectations ... In this respect, an intense relationship sprung up between the most avant-garde artists of the twentieth century and children. Thus, the book studies the special role that toys played in the Central European avant-garde movements of the twentieth century, especially in the Bauhaus Movement and among the Italian Futurists. It also reflects the considerable educational efforts that were expended with regard to childrens literature on the part of Soviet artists and creators from other parts of Europe. We might also highlight the design of special furniture for schools and kindergartens in Europe and the United States. Finally, the book focuses on the special relationship that a series of key avant-garde artists, such as Picasso, Calder and Miró, cultivated with the world of children.