Introduction
Modernism is a historical art term that refers to the period between 1860 and 1970. Modernism is used for the description of the style and ideas of a work of art that was produced during this period or era of modernism. This term is also used to describe modern art which brings about the controversy existing in modernism on what should be referred to as modernism. According to some scholars, the idea of modernism primarily depends on the expressiveness and creativity of the individual. Considering this idea, modernism specifically can be thought of as referring to the modern philosophy of art.
This paper looks at the term modernism in the architectural work during the 1920 and 1960 periods in both America and Europe. (Fred, 1996)
Main body
In the mid 19th century, the idea of modernism had raised concern in Europe with the emergency of a new canvas painting by Edouard Manet. His paintings were offensive according to the majority in the society, however, Manet was interested in the exploration of a new subject matter with new values in painterly and new spatial relationships. As a result, he produced modernist works of paintings. The pictures he painted were offensive and in the first exhibition, many people were upset to see the pictures. Modernism can be attributed deeper in history with such paintings which depicted the contemporary societal changes.
Modernism in the 1920 – 1960 period can be grouped in the second generation of modernism whereby a popular culture had been established as a result of increased urbanization settlement. Urbanization became the source of ideas to cope with the contemporary challenges that continued to face the community in urban lifestyles. In America, the humorist young writers like Dorothy Parker, S.J. Perelman Robert Benchley, and several others began to write work of art that was not derived from modernism. These works of art and writings were purely derived from the realities of high culture. This period of modernism proved the idea of modernism especially from mass production that had taken a lead during this time.
In Europe, Modern ideas started to appear in commercials as well as logos for example the London underground logo that was famous during the times that was designed by Edward Johnston. The underground logo showed clearly the underground railway tunnel in the history of Europe that was designed in the year 1919. He expressed the idea of modernism by portraying the underground railway tunnel which however has about 45% of the railway above the surface.
The logo was a clear commercial that is memorable and easily recognizable. Marxism also influenced modernism, this came right after the First World War with ideas of political demise in most of the states and nations in the world. The neoclassicism of 1920 was represented by T.S Elliot and Igor Stravinsky that rejected the solution of popularism to modern problems. Radicalization of a generation in the modern era was also moved by Fascism and the great depression in America. (Eystensson, 1999)
The ideas of modernism can be attributed greatly to the individual’s perspectives. In the art of the 20th century, they are characterized by a common theme especially romanticism. The paintings and the sculptures seen in the exhibition portray a common theme. This idea of modernism is therefore not restricted to an era but is open to individual expression and creativity. There is great similarity in the works of art and architecture during the 19th century and the 20th century. Categorizing a certain time as modernism will be disagreeable because the similarities and expressions of the artists do not differ and only portray their inner views on the contemporary issues and creative works that are modern at their time.
The most prominent change in the second generation of modernism is the adoption of objects in the increased production of goods. The changes in technological innovations also influence the work of art although it does not disorient the artists to totally different themes. Modernism is as old as the work of art and can be attributed in America through the societal and political changes that have taken different courses in different times.
For example, in this period, 1920 and 1960, in America threatening cases of racism against the blacks was associated by artists with the slave trade of the 18th century. The artists are also suppressed by fears in expressing their ideas often use symbolism and creativity in expressing some of the sensitive ideas. (Crouch, 2000)
After the Second World War, modernism was affected, the capitals of Europe had been deserted by famous artists for security purposes and most of them settled in New York, America, where they could freely express their attitude and ideas towards different aspects and ideas. In Paris which was by then the center for European Culture, the art climate was destroyed and the modernism ideas were not widely expressed as in America. Only a few artists like Pablo Picasso, Pierre Bonnard, and Henri Matisse remained in France and survived as most perished. They later produced paintings about the issues that were pressing such as war; romanticism that differed from their friends who had fled the city.
Conclusion
Artistic works took a different turn in the mid-1950 and 1960 where nudity in painting and performing arts was emphasized by artists. The performances by various artists with relatives and friends incorporated exercises in absurdity, costuming, and physicality. Robert Whitman, Jim Dine, Allan Kaprow, and Red Grooms were major participants and performers in these happenings. They expressed their ideas as modern in modernist works of art. Modernism, therefore, is a function of an individual’s expression of idea and creativity and cannot be restricted to just a given period. In the 21st century, modernism is at its peak with artists having different ways of expressing their ideas through music, performing arts that have been enhanced through education and technology.
References
Fred, O. (1996), Avant Garde and partisans, (Manchester, University of Manchester Press).
Pollock, G. (2007), Encounter in the virtual Feminist museum, (London, Routlage).
Aldrich, L. (2005), Young lyrical painters. Art in America, (New haven, Yale University Press).
Brush, S. (1998), The History of Modern science, (Iowa, Iowa States University Press).
Crouch, C. (2000), Modernism in art design and architecture, (New York, St. Martins Press).
Bradbury, M. and James, M. (1996), Modernism: A guide to European Literature, (London, Penguin Press).
Baker, H. (1993), Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance, (Chicago, University of Chicago press).
Berman, M. (1997), The experience of modernity, (London, Penguin Press).
Kern, S. (1998), The culture of time and space, (Cambridge, Harvard University press).
Eystensson, A. (1999), The concept of modernism, (New York, Cornell University Press).