“I love creation more than life, and I must express myself before disappearing.” ~Sonia Delaunay
Sonia Delaunay (pronunciation) was a Ukrainian-born French artist known for her bright, colorful art and creative designs. She was born on November 14, 1885, in a town called Hradyzk, which is now part of Ukraine.
Rythme, 1938
As a child, she loved looking at fabrics, patterns, and the colors around her. When her father sadly passed away, she was sent away to live with her uncle and aunt, who later adopted her, taking her on trips around the world and giving her an education in art. At 18, her teacher recommended she be sent to an art school in Germany because she showed great promise, and she studied there until 1905. She later moved to Paris, France, where she further studied art and became part of a group of artists who were exploring new and modern styles.
Electric Prisms
Sonia and her husband, Robert Delaunay, helped create a style of art called Orphism, an abstract style that focused on bright color, movement, and rhythm. In 1911, they had a son, and Sonia created a vibrant quilt for him featuring a geometric design. This pattern inspired her and Robert to create more artwork in similar styles, and thus, Orphism was created. Sonia’s paintings often used circles, swirls, and repeating shapes in bright, bold colors. She believed that color could express feelings just like music does, making her art look like it was dancing on the canvas.
Market at Minho
In addition to painting, Sonia Delaunay was also a designer. She made colorful clothing, costumes for both theater and movies, book bindings, fabrics, and even cars! She started her own business selling clothing that featured bright, vivid colors and geometric designs, and later went on to open a fashion studio with a French designer named Jacques Heim, which served many famous customers. She believed that art could be part of everyday life—not just something you hang on a wall. Her creative spirit helped bring color and beauty to the world in many different ways.
Flamenco Dancer
Sonia Delaunay lived a long and creative life. She was the first living woman to have a solo art show at the Louvre Museum in Paris, and one of a select few artists whose art was displayed at the Louvre while they were still alive. She passed away in 1979, but her joyful and colorful artwork continues to inspire artists and designers around the world.
Books for further study…
Sonia Delaunay
Sonia Delaunay: Living ArtSonia Delaunay: A Life of Color
