The definition of Modern Art is broad, encompassing almost any art form from the beginning of the 20th century until sometimes in the 1960′s. Some experts argue about the exact time frame. Alternate definitions of Modern Art include any art forms between the late 1800′s and as recent as the 1970s. Whichever time period one chooses, the definition of Modern Art is still extensive, covering many genres of art and many artists.
History Of Modern Art
Those that stretch the term Modern Art to cover as many years as possible, look at the start of the art form as being in the 1860′s with the birth of Impressionism. This Modern Art form began in France and concentrated on art work created with a broken brush stroke. Through the years of Modern Art history, new versions of art work appeared and the definition of what was considered Modern Art expanded. The end of Modern Art as a genre occurred after Pop Art and Minimalism became the fad.
Best Known Styles of Modern Art
Some art experts state that there have been 19 different types of Modern Art. Styles that sound familiar include Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism and Pop Art. Impressionism created an art form that used paint brushes in new ways, such as using shorter brush strokes and creating effects such as dabbing paint. The purpose of the new genre was to create paintings that used colour and light as an impression of the world itself. Cubism concentrated on representing the world in three D formations. The object itself became the focus of art work. African art proves a large influence. Surrealism created art works that looked as if they had no purpose or were other worldly. At times the work was recognizable and at others a viewer was left pondering the purpose of the piece. Objects being painted were often distorted or painted in odd settings. Pop Art became well known to the world in the late 1950s. Pop Art concentrated on making a statement about present day society using logos, political figures, stars or everyday items. Loud colours, murals and silhouettes were often used as expressions in the art form. Many pieces were either political or made a statement about modern day society.
Most Famous Modern Artists
Each style of art is associated with a number of artists. However, one name rises to the top with each style. When mentioning Impressionism, Claude Monet comes to mind. The father of Cubism is Pablo Picasso. Surrealism is often attributed to Salvador Dali. Say Pop Art and everyone knows Andy Warhol. All of these styles of Modern Art contribute to the history of present day art and formulate what art is today.
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