The term “Modern Art” has been used to describe a wide range of artistic styles and movements that began in the late 19th century and continue to the present day. Modern Art is characterized by its rejection of traditional ideas, its embrace of experimentation and innovation, and its progressive approach to art making. It was a radical departure from the academic styles of painting, drawing, and sculpture that had dominated the Western art world for centuries.
The onset of Modern Art was marked by several key events. In 1863, Édouard Manet’s Le déjeuner sur l’herbe was rejected by the Paris Salon because it violated traditional conventions of composition.
In 1874, Impressionism debuted at an exhibition in Paris. This style sought to capture the fleeting effects of light on objects in nature and ushered in a new era of painting that emphasized personal expression.
The advent of Modern Art also brought about a dramatic shift in how art was viewed. Artists were no longer bound by traditional expectations or conventions.
They could explore new materials, techniques, and subjects without fear of rejection or criticism. Instead of creating works for wealthy patrons or religious institutions, artists could now create works for themselves.
Modern Art also played an important role in the political landscape during this time period. Many artists used their work as a form of protest against oppressive regimes or corrupt governments. For example, Diego Rivera’s murals depicted Mexican life with brutal honesty and helped raise awareness about social issues such as poverty and inequality.
In conclusion, Modern Art has had a profound impact on society over the past century-and-a-half. It has given us new ways to interpret our world through creative expression, challenged our preconceived notions about what art can be, and provided us with powerful tools to express our political beliefs through visual media. Modern Art has truly changed the world.