Modernism and Post Modernism

Modernism and Post-Modernism 

 

Composition III, Wassily Kandinsky

The term modernism refers to the various range of cultural movements in the changes in Western society during the late nineteenth/ early twentieth century. Modernism included symbolism, futurism, imagism, etc. Paintings included abstract shapes, colors, and lines to make up "the work."(Tate) It wasn't until the 1960s where modernism would become the leading movement in art. Most of the inspiration that created Modernism was characterized by "industrialization, rapid social change, and advances in science, and technology."(Modernism) In hopes of discovering new ways of expression, modernism allowed the artist to relief art through new methods of painting. New types of paints, as well as materials,  were used to create abstract/fantasy paintings. In so the audience that viewed these paintings her were to study the creation close to understand the meaning. In fact, the paintings would allow the viewer to get a representation of the artist and his intentions/emotions based on the work.
 Women artists found multiple ways to apply new methods of modernism into their paintings. "While some artist worked primarily in two dimensions, others emphasized construction, texture and design Neoprimitivism, Cubofuturism, etc.(Chadwick).
  

Sonia Delaunay Simultaneous Contrasts 1912

Artist Sonia Delaunay found modernism to be expressed through  'dynamic interplay of color harmonies and dissonances." In her paintings you can see the the stripes and shapes she creates. Also we see multiples colors that represent not only the beauty within the painting but the emotion. Delaunay would use primary and secondary color as a foundation to enforce 'visual vibration'.  She was intrigued by the dynamics of surface design. Through textiles and embroidery,

Sonia Delaunay Flamenco dancer 1916

Delaunay became a well respect artist for not only her artwork but her amazing skill in designing. She would soon design for curtains, costumes designs, posters, quilts, and more. The Delaunay's were able to create a new method of art called simultaneous contrast. We can see methods such as Cubism in her paintings. The use of geometric shapes demonstrated her ability in including modernism methods into her work. We can see in the dresses she made on how the shapes and color choice create a complex pattern that is stunning.Soon inspiring many others to start this abstract style of art. Delaunay's "art pushed the envelope between art and life."(Guerrilla Girls)

Paula Modersohn-Becker Mother and Child Lying Nude 1907

Another Artist by the name Paula Modersohn displayed modernism through the female body. Using the female body as an identification of nature, generation, instinctual life. 

   To be well-known as a female artist at the time was difficult. Women were nothing more than house wives. On the other hand men were getting recognized for their great efforts and nobility. Men always seemed to overshadow women. Therefore, even though their was great amounts of female artist, the majority of these women didn't want to step out in to fame. But, even those who did had a trouble time in getting noticed. However, once modernism came around it opened up an opportunity for women. As if they were reborn, women were able to capitalize in modernism painting; thus furthering their success and influences. Plus the work that these women were contributing helped develop the growth of modernism. Many artists used different techniques such as Cubism, Futurism, Vorticism, constructivism , and more to deepen the source of the movement. 

  Lots of women were interested in showcasing their lives through art during the modernism movement. Women faced hardship against the male gaze. Therefore their painting would highlight the real message of the painters story rather than the looks of the person drawn. 

    Later down the line, post modernism  developed near the late 20th century. Post Modernism composed of styles such as architecture. This style of art laid on the idea of individualism and interpretation about one.  Post modernism also consumed more media influences to give the understanding. Whereas during the modernism period, the use of shapes, colors, lines, and abstract work was used to understand the main purpose of a painting. One example of Post Modernism is Tracy Emin. This post-modernist used her personal experiences such as rape to create a new form of art. Emin uses lots of symbolism to describe her art. 

Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party 1974-79

   The Dinner Party was perhaps  one of the few important forms of Post Modernism. This large scale structure contained a huge banquet table that seated around 40 women of history/mythology.  The Dinner party theorized the importance in individuals. The structure allows you to view multiple creations of media.

    

Work Citied

Chadwick, Whitney. Women, Art and Society. Thames and Hudson, 2015.

The Guerrilla Girls' Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art. Penguin Books, 2006.

https://www.britannica.com/art/Modernism-art

http://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/m/modernism,