What Is Modern Art in Art History?

Art|Modern Art

Modern Art is a term used to describe the artworks that have been created since the 1860s until today. It is a broad category of visual art that includes various styles such as abstract, surrealism, expressionism, and cubism.

Modern art is often seen as a response to traditional forms of art such as Renaissance and Baroque, with artists seeking to explore new perspectives and ideas.

Modern Art began with Impressionism in the late 19th century which was developed by artists who sought to capture fleeting moments of life in their work. This style gave way to Post-Impressionism which pushed the boundaries even further by experimenting with colour and texture, leading to an emphasis on abstraction.

The next major development occurred in the early 20th century when Expressionism emerged as a reaction to World War I. This style of painting was characterized by bold brushstrokes, vivid colours, and strong emotions.

Alongside Expressionism came Cubism which focused on breaking down objects into geometric shapes and representing them from multiple angles simultaneously.

In the mid-20th century Abstract Expressionism gained popularity as artists sought to express their innermost feelings through their work. This style was heavily influenced by Surrealism which focused on exploring dreams and the subconscious mind. These movements paved the way for Pop Art which emerged in the 1960s and celebrated popular culture through vibrant colours and bold images.

Conclusion:

Modern Art is a broad category of visual art that has been created since the 1860s and encompasses various styles such as Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Pop Art. It is seen as a response to traditional forms of art such as Renaissance and Baroque with its focus being on experimentation with colour, texture, form, and emotion.