Modern art is a term used to describe the art of the modern era. It is characterized by its use of new and experimental methods, materials, and techniques. It is often associated with avant-garde movements in the early 20th century such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.
Modern art has its roots in the Impressionist movement of the 19th century. Impressionists such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir sought to capture how light and color interact in nature and how this interaction can be used to create an emotional response in viewers. This approach was revolutionary at the time, as it challenged traditional approaches to painting which emphasized realism and representation.
In the early 20th century, modern art continued to be influenced by Impressionism but also began incorporating new materials and techniques that had never been seen before. For example, Pablo Picasso’s cubist works utilized non-traditional materials such as newspaper clippings, wood scraps, and found objects. His collage works were a radical departure from traditional painting techniques. Similarly, Marcel Duchamp’s readymades utilized everyday objects that he transformed into works of art through his choice of arrangement or context.
The modern era also saw artists pushing against traditional notions of what artwork should look like or mean. Artists such as Wassily Kandinsky explored abstract forms which were not tied to any particular subject matter or meaning but instead sought to evoke an emotional response in viewers through their use of color and composition. Similarly, Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings challenged traditional notions of composition by relying on chance rather than conscious decision making when creating his works.
In conclusion:
Modern art is rooted in Impressionism while also pushing against traditional boundaries by incorporating new materials and techniques that had not been seen before. It also challenged traditional notions of what artwork should look like or mean by exploring abstract forms that evoked emotion through color and composition rather than a clear narrative or representation. This radical approach towards visual expression makes modern art truly unique in its ability to provoke thought and emotion in viewers like no other form before it – this is why modern art is modern.