National Galleries of Scotland

Abstract art

Art in which there is no attempt to represent anything existing in the world, particularly used of the 20th century onwards. `Abstraction? refers to the process of making images that may in part derive from the visible world but which are reduced to basic formal elements.

Slade School of Fine Art

Part of University College, London, this art college was founded in 1871 with funds from the art collector Felix Slade. Notable students include Augustus and Gwen John, Percy Wyndham Lewis, Stanley Spencer and Ben Nicholson.

Surrealism

A literary and artistic movement founded by the poet André Breton in 1924. Many of the associated artists, such as Max Ernst and Jean Arp, had previously been involved with Dadaism. The movement sought to challenge conventions through the exploration of the subconscious mind, invoking the power of dreams and elements of chance. Cultural hierarchies were challenged by the combination of diverse elements in collages and sculptural assemblages. The movement is also notable for the collaborations between artists and writers evident in the Surrealists' many publications.

Tempera

An emulsion paint usually made with egg yolks. It is associated with Italian art of the 13th to the 15th centuries and requires a precise painting technique as colours must be premixed and cannot be manipulated on the painting surface.

Vorticism

A radical English art movement of the early 20th century led by Wyndham Lewis. Influenced by the Futurists, they favoured urban, industrial subjects and promoted a hard-edged, angular style.