Comparing and Contrasting the 1934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet by Ben Nicholson to Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol – An ‘Isms’ Overview

The 1934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet by Ben Nicholson and the 1962 artwork, Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol are two iconic pieces of art that reflect their respective time periods. This paper aims to compare and contrast the two artworks in terms of their artistic movements, techniques, and meanings.

The 1934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet is a collaborative artwork that brought together the creative minds of composer Ludwig van Beethoven, choreographer Leonide Massine, and artist Ben Nicholson. The artwork reflects the modernist movement that was popular during the early 20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional art forms and an emphasis on abstraction and experimentation. The artwork was created using a collage technique, with different elements such as geometric shapes and lines, layered on top of each other to create a complex visual composition. The artwork aimed to capture the spirit of Beethoven’s music and convey it through visual means.

On the other hand, Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol is a Pop Art artwork that reflects the consumerist culture of the 1960s. The artwork was created using a screen printing technique, with each soup can depicted in a similar, repetitive manner. The artwork aimed to critique the mass-produced, commercialized culture of the time, while also elevating everyday objects such as soup cans to the status of high art. The artwork reflects the post-modernist movement, characterized by a rejection of traditional art forms and an emphasis on consumer culture and mass media.

Despite the similarities in their rejection of traditional art forms, the two artworks differ in their techniques and meanings. The 1934 project for Massine for Beethoven 7th Symphony Ballet is characterized by its complexity and abstraction, with the collage technique allowing for multiple layers of meaning and interpretation. The artwork aimed to capture the emotional and spiritual essence of Beethoven’s music, elevating it to a level of pure abstraction that transcends the boundaries of traditional representation.

In contrast, Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol is characterized by its simplicity and repetition, with each soup can depicted in a similar, flat manner. The artwork aimed to critique the commercialization of art and elevate everyday objects to the status of high art. The artwork reflects the post-modernist movement’s rejection of traditional representation and emphasis on the power of mass media and consumer culture.