New materials in 20th-century art The technique remains popular as a very simple method of printmaking, even suitable for use in schools. Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Juan Gris and other cubist artists introduced new elements and materials like newspaper clippings, fabric, and sheet music into their paintings. Eventually the movement was called Synthetic Cubism developed between 1912 and 1919. Synthetic cubism is characterized by works with different textures, surfaces, collage elements, papier collé and a large variety of subject matter. It was the beginning of collage materials being introduced as an important ingredient of fine art work by the avant-garde. Considered the first work of
Robert Paul (painter) 1979; his works can be found in the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. Robert Paul (painter) Robert Paul (1906–1979) was a Rhodesian abstract painter. Paul joined the Rhodesian police force, the British South Africa Police, in 1927, and during patrols in his early years became enamored of the local landscape. Self-taught as an artist, he would often bring his sketchbook along on his trips, recording the passing countryside. He was encouraged to paint by John Piper and Ivon Hitchens, who introduced him to the work of Georges Braque and other painters. Paul retired from the force in 1951 to paint full-time.