Tulsi Raja
11/21/2017
Modernism is described as philosophical movement that ties cultural trends in the Western society of arts and literature. The movement took place on the late 19th century and early 20th centuries, advocating rational thinking and the use of science and reason for the advancement of man. The era was characterized by simple elegant original works of gifted artists. Art became abstract and broken down into its constituent of lines, shapes, and colors.
“In Western art, movements and ‘isms’ appeared, one after the other: impressionism, postimpressionism, fauvism, cubism, futurism, constructivism, dadaism, surrealism, expressionism, abstract expressionism, etc. put them all together what do we get? Modernism” (Guerrilla Girls).
“Delaunay (1885-1979), a Russian artist...synthesized Post-Impressionism, early Matisse and Russian folk art. (Chadwick) Sonia Delaunay, is known to be the most famous artist of Modernism time. She was a Russian painter, textile illustrator who was great at abstract art. Delaunay grew up in St.Petersburg and studied in Germany then later moved to Paris and married Robert.Robert whom founded Orphism, theory to achieve visual intensity on the surface of the canvas, Sonia developed a career in textile design. Her art consisted of of various shape, size, color and abstract patterns. ’Delaunay’s work with textiles and embroidery encouraged her to break down forms and emphasize surface structure. She quickly began designing book covers , posters,lampshades, curtains , cushion covers and other objects for her home.’’ ( Chadwick). To the left is painting by her, Yellow Nude 1908 which is now in now in the Tate Modern, London, her designs consist of lampshades, cushions, and other items (Hali). On the right is another piece by Delaunay, Discs 1968 hand knitted carpet with shape and color that defines graphic effects that translate into a wonderful cloth art. Another wonderful artist from this time is, Frida Kahlo whom focused on surrealism, she painted self-portraits using vibrant colors that were influenced by culture, and expressed her life and pain.To the bottom right you see painting, The Broken Column,1944 is one of her best known painting that represents her pain, through her visual artwork she showed her nudity and helpless. 
Postmodernism can be described as a movement that took place after World War II. This Era can be characterized by the advancement in technology and its use in different media. The term postmodernism is also widely used to describe challenges that changes to establish structures and belief systems that took place in Western society and culture from the 1960s onward” (Tate). This period was not a focus on the male gaze but rather influenced by installation, multimedia, collages and conceptual art. Some examples of postmodern art would include Pop Art, and Yayoi Kusama, who is known for the polka dot art on naked bodies. Like the Guerilla Girls, Kusama is also associated with Minimalism and Feminist Art making it part Postmodernism. Between the two, modernism is regarded as a kind of avant-garde, which challenges traditional culture. Initially it was regarded as a force, which could oppose the dominant culture; and postmodernism in its turn appeared as a critique of modernism. Art and culture are nothing but reflections of the life of the society.
Works cited
Chadwick , Whitney. Women, Art , and Society. Thames & Hudson 2007
The Guerrilla Girls' Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art. Penguin Books, 2006
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