Czanne and Bergson

The main crux of this book is to discuss the analogy between Paul Cezanne's late works and Henri Bergson's early philosophy, thereby providing those who are interested in or troubled by the artist's motivation a Bergsonian interpretation. 

The writer adopts the method of contrast in analyzing both their notions of "intuition and intelligence" epistemology-wise as well as "appearance and reality" metaphysics-wise. This book will also compare their respective use of abstract philosophical symbols and concrete artistic symbols.

Aside from arguing the intensive relatedness between the two in the form of book for the first time, the author also points out how Bergson's philosophical development continued to have influence on some of Cezanne's artistic successors, such as the main proponents of Fauvism, Cubism and Futurism.  

Consequently, a principal characteristic of early 20th century French painting could be interpreted as the multiple formal expressions and innovative developments of Bergsonian style, or the crystallization of Bergsonism. 

About authro: Chao-liang Calvin Yu

National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, M.A. (Art)

Chinese Cultural University, Taiwan, Ph.D. (Philosophy)

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Associate Professor, 2002-19

Theses: Czanne and Bergson--Bergsonism in Czanne's Late Works, Bergsonism in Modern Painting--from Matisse to Duchamp (Chinese version)

Novel: The Code of Czanne (Chinese version)