The Paris Inspiration

How an artistic revolution inspired PIFA's theme

It was the age of Picasso, Chagall, Stravinsky, Diaghilev, and Matisse. Paris from 1910 – 1920 was a blank canvas waiting for the next generation of innovators to usher in a new age of inspiration. This is where Picasso continued his legacy and inspired other artists to do the same. Serge Diaghilev brought Russian-influenced choreography to Parisian audiences. Famous dancer, Isadora Duncan, developed modern styles still in use today while novelist Marcel Proust was busy crafting his most famous works. Stravinsky briefly settled here, just long enough to create new arrangements and songs. Paris inspired a renewed energy and endless opportunities for artists to leave their mark on the world. These artists began twisting and breaking the rules of creativity, redefining what the world recognized as art.

Creative minds flocked from all reaches of the globe racing to be a part of Paris’ artistic movement. Musicians like James Reese Europe crossed the ocean to help spark the Parisian jazz scene. Painters such as Tsuguharu Fujita flocked from Japan, bringing with them a far eastern influence. James Joyce traveled from his native Ireland to continue his novel and poetry writing in Paris. Russians left their homeland in search of asylum and creative freedom. What formed was a melting pot of music, painting, and poetry that has been unrivaled since. The way we hear music, see visual art, and experience theatre, poetry, and stories have been directly influenced by this groundbreaking period in creativity. And in many ways, we are still under their spell.

It’s in the spirit of artistic experimentation and uninhibited creativity that Paris 1910 – 1920 is reborn in Philadelphia. PIFA is an artistic collaboration of painters, musicians, dancers, and actors of regional and international acclaim. For three weeks, contemporary art will blend with the non-traditional and experimental, celebrating the sharing of ideas and philosophies. With Philadelphia's role as the city that created a nation, there's no better place to ignite a cultural and creative revolution. On April 7 – May 1, 2011, we’ll welcome a new generation of creative minds to make their place in history. Philadelphia awaits.