Art from all over the world makes sense of the past. While art is a vast study, art historians know how to organize different forms of art from different timelines and what to say about all of them. We have to give them credit for giving us a quick analysis of the fine arts, from painting to sculpture and finally to architecture.
In this article, we’ll learn a brief history of the modern arts, from Realism to pop art. Scroll down to know more:
Realism (1848–1900)
As the name suggests, Realism inspired an interest in capturing everyday life. It first developed in France back in the 1840s and is feasibly the first modern art movement. Realism took place due to multiple events, including the rise of journalism, the anti-Romantic movement in Germany, and the advent of photography. It featured detailed, accurate, and life-like interpretations of the subject matter.
French artist Gustave Courbet is famous for his commitment to painting only what he could physically see.
Art Nouveau (1890–1910)
Art Nouveau translates to “New Art” and is heavily influenced by a variety of graphics, applied arts, and illustration. It attempted to create authentic art free from any imitation of those that preceded it.
Influential Art Nouveau artists worked in graphic and interior design, architecture, jewelry-making, and painting. Spanish architect and sculptor Antoni Gaudi is best known for his investment piece in Barcelona, which is the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia.
Impressionism (1865–1885)
Impressionist painters captured the immediate impression of a particular scene or moment. Characterized by short and quick brushstrokes, the art during this era also portrayed an unfinished, sketch-like feel.
French artist Claude Monet spearheaded the expression of one’s perceptions before nature. His notable works include Woman with a Parasol (1875) and Impression, Sunrise (1872), from which the movement’s name is credited to.
Post-Impressionism (1885–1910)
Post-Impressionist artists worked independently instead of working as a group, but each of them had similar ideals. They concentrated more on personal meanings rather than observations, and their art was often achieved through abstract forms.
Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh is noted for his personal expression through art, often using dark tones and rugged brushstrokes.
Fauvism (1900–1935)
Fauvism is mostly credited to Henri Matisse, and art during this period was built upon examples from George Seurat and Vincent van Gogh. This 20th-century movement style was characterized by the expressive use of line, brushwork, intense color, and a bold sense of surface design.
Expressionism (1905–1920)
Expressionism emerged due to the increased loss of spirituality and conflicted world views. Artists during this era used strong colors and distortion of form to display raw emotions.
Expressionism’s roots can be traced to artists such as Edvard Munch, Vincent van Gogh, and James Ensor. Notable groups including Der Blaue Reiter (The Blue Rider) and Die Brücke (The Bridge) were formed so artists can collectively express their ideals.
Cubism (1907–1914)
Cubism was launched by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, who rejected the idea that art should copy nature. These renowned artists created fragmented objects through abstraction. These painters’ works are marked by two-dimensional surfaces, multiple vantage points, and cubes of objects, resulting in subjects that are not discernible to a certain degree.
Surrealism (1916–1950)
Surrealism originated back in 1916 from the Dada art movement, and artists from this period denounced the rationalist mindset. One of the most influential Surrealist artists is no other than Salvador Dalí, who’s responsible for tapping into the unconscious mind to depict everyday life. His paintings pair bizarre and vivid dreams with historical accuracy.
Abstract Expressionism (1940s–1950s)
Abstract Expressionism was developed in New York after WWII. Painters and sculptors alike kept away from what was considered conventional and instead used improvisation and spontaneity to create works of art. Jackson Pollock, one of the flooring Abstract Expressionist painters, is known for his unique style of drip painting.
Op Art (1950s–1960s)
Op art (short for “optical” art) movement was launched when the advances in science and technology heightened. Artists active in this style use patterns, colors, and shapes to create images that appear to be blurring or moving. One of the most popular Op Art practitioners is English artist Bridget Riley, best known for her 1964 artwork Blaze.
Pop Art (1950s–1960s)
Pop art is a widely-known artistic development of the 20th century. The movement uses every day, mundane objects to depict innovative works of art.
Andy Warhol, a famed pop artist with a high credit score, established the idea that art can come from any source. His Campbell’s Soup Cans is perhaps the most famous pop culture piece.
Sources:
Cover-Pixabay – Hermann
Body:
#1 -Pixabay- yeurodvall
#2- Pixabay -KELLEPICS
#3- YouTube – Khan Academy
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