What Is the Difference Between Modern and Postmodern Art?

Art|Modern Art

Modern art is a broad term used to describe art from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. It covers a range of movements and styles, including impressionism, cubism, expressionism, surrealism and abstract expressionism. These movements were characterized by a rejection of traditional artistic conventions in favor of experimentation and exploration of new ideas and techniques.

Postmodern art is a term used to describe art from the mid-20th century onwards. This type of art is often characterized by its use of irony, parody, pastiche and appropriation.

It also often deals with topics such as identity politics, consumer culture, mass media and technology. Postmodern artists often challenge traditional notions of beauty and truth by using techniques such as appropriation, collage, photomontage, readymades and found objects.

The main difference between modern art and postmodern art is the attitude towards tradition. Modern artists rejected traditional artistic conventions in favor of experimentation and exploration of new ideas whereas postmodern artists often challenge traditional notions of beauty and truth by appropriating existing works or objects into their own creations.

Modern art has its roots in European movements such as impressionism, cubism and expressionism whereas postmodern art draws upon a wide range of sources from both Western and non-Western cultures. Another important distinction between modern and postmodern art is that modern artists typically worked alone or in small groups whereas postmodern artists often work collaboratively or in larger collectives.

In conclusion, there are many differences between modern and postmodern art. The main difference is the attitude towards tradition: modern artists rejected it while postmodern artists often challenge it through their use of irony, parody, pastiche and appropriation. Additionally, modern artwork typically has its roots in European movements while postmodern artwork draws upon a wide range of sources from both Western and non-Western cultures; furthermore modern artists usually worked alone or in small groups while postmodern artists often work collaboratively or in larger collectives.