What Is the Meaning of Modern in Art?

Art|Modern Art

The term ‘modern’ when used in the context of art can be quite confusing, as it has multiple definitions. In a general sense, modern art is any type of artwork that was produced during the period of time known as the modern era.

This era began in the mid-19th century and lasted until roughly 1945, when post-modern art began to appear. During this period, artists experimented with a variety of new art styles such as Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Cubism.

At its most basic level, modern art is distinguished from previous forms by its willingness to break from certain conventions and explore new ideas or techniques. This could include challenging traditional expectations about what constitutes an artwork or exploring new materials or concepts.

For example, Pablo Picasso’s cubist works were a radical departure from traditional figurative painting because they relied on geometric shapes and abstract imagery to convey meaning. Similarly, Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain” was a revolutionary statement because it questioned what constitutes an artwork by using an everyday object as its medium.

Modern art also has a political dimension to it; many modern artists sought to challenge oppressive social and political structures that existed in their times. For example, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo used her artwork to explore themes related to feminism and the oppression of women in her society. Similarly, the German Expressionist group Der Blaue Reiter sought to express the emotional turmoil caused by World War I through their works of art.

In conclusion, the meaning of modern in art is complex and varied depending on who you ask; however, it generally refers to any artwork produced during the modern era (mid 19th century – 1945) that challenges traditional conventions through experimentation with new materials or concepts and often expresses political or social messages in some way. What is clear is that modern art has had a lasting impact on our culture and continues to be relevant today.