* To explore the human condition in the age of industrialization: Léger was fascinated by the changing world around him, especially the rise of machines and the impact of technology on human life. His art often depicted urban environments, factories, and machinery, highlighting the tension between the human and the mechanical.
* To celebrate the beauty and power of everyday objects: Unlike many artists of his time who focused on the subjective and emotional aspects of art, Léger was interested in the objective and tangible qualities of the world. He saw beauty in the simple, functional objects of everyday life and depicted them with a bold and graphic style.
* To create a new visual language for a modern world: Léger sought to break away from traditional art forms and create a new visual language that reflected the dynamism and complexity of the modern age. He experimented with geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and dynamic compositions, creating a style that was both abstract and representational.
* To express his political beliefs: Léger was a committed communist and his art often reflected his social and political convictions. He believed that art should be accessible to all and that it could be a powerful tool for social change.
* To experiment with new techniques and materials: Léger was an innovator and constantly experimented with new techniques and materials, including collage, papier-mâché, and metal. He was also interested in the interplay of light and shadow, which he explored through his use of contrasting colors and textures.
In essence, Fernand Léger painted because he was driven by a desire to understand and depict the complexities of the modern world, to find beauty in the everyday, to create a new visual language, to express his political beliefs, and to constantly experiment and push the boundaries of art.