In 2019, Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan surprised everyone with his artwork called “The Comedian,” which is simply a banana taped to a wall. This unusual piece grabbed attention because it was sold for a whopping $150,000. Cattelan’s explanation—“The banana is supposed to be a banana”—sparked debates about what really counts as art today.
When we talk about “modern” art, we’re usually referring to a movement called Modernism that started in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time, artists began to move away from traditional styles and subjects, creating a big shift in the art world. This break from tradition is a key feature of modern art.
To understand how modern art evolved, we need to look at what was happening in the early 20th century. Technology was advancing rapidly with things like railroads and telecommunication changing everyday life. More people were moving to cities, and traditional religious beliefs were losing their grip. Psychology was offering new ways to think about human experiences, and former colonies were fighting for independence, inspiring artists to break away from European art norms.
The chaos of the World Wars also pushed artists to find new ways to express themselves. As the world changed, so did the ways artists communicated through their work.
One major change in modern art was the move towards abstraction. Artists started to express thoughts and feelings using lines, shapes, and colors instead of trying to realistically depict the world. This was the start of what many call “modern” art.
Artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian are well-known for their abstract work, but it’s important to remember that artists like Hilma af Klint were exploring these ideas even earlier. Plus, abstract art has been part of many cultures around the world long before European artists got involved.
Non-European cultures had a big impact on modern art. For example, Pablo Picasso was inspired by African art, which is clear in his famous painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon.” This painting uses geometric shapes and shows Picasso’s interest in African masks, which he collected. However, this raises questions about how European artists often overlooked the original meanings of these works.
Critics have noted that European artists sometimes viewed non-European art through a colonial lens, seeing it as primitive but interesting. This perspective has been criticized, leading to changes in how art history is taught and understood.
The traditional focus on Europe in art history is being challenged. Scholars and curators are working to highlight the global connections in art movements and recognize contributions from diverse artists.
For example, Joaquín Torres-García’s “Inverted America” flips the usual map, putting South America at the center. This reimagining of geography is a metaphor for rethinking art history as a web of influences rather than a straight line from Europe.
As the world became more connected, different forms of modernism appeared, especially in postcolonial countries. Artists wanted to express their identities and experiences, often mixing traditional elements with modern styles. Indian artist Gaganendranath Tagore, for instance, used cubism to capture the feel of a Kolkata market, showing how modern art responds to historical and cultural contexts.
Modernism isn’t just one movement; it’s a mix of responses to historical events that have shaped the world. As communication and travel made the world smaller, artistic ideas flowed across cultures. When we look at art history, it’s clear that artistic influence knows no borders, and great art can come from anywhere.
In the next part, we’ll explore public art, looking at monuments, memorials, and how memory plays a role in our culture.
Imagine you are an artist like Maurizio Cattelan. Create your own version of “The Comedian” using everyday objects. Think about what message you want to convey with your piece. Present your artwork to the class and explain your artistic choices and the concept behind your creation.
Research key events and artists from the Modernism movement. Create a timeline that highlights significant milestones, including technological advancements and cultural shifts that influenced modern art. Share your timeline with the class and discuss how these events impacted the art world.
Choose an abstract artist like Wassily Kandinsky or Hilma af Klint. Study their work and create your own abstract piece inspired by their style. Use lines, shapes, and colors to express an emotion or idea. Present your artwork and explain the inspiration and meaning behind it.
Research how non-European cultures influenced modern art, focusing on artists like Pablo Picasso. In groups, debate the ethical implications of cultural appropriation in art. Discuss whether these influences were respectful or exploitative and how they should be addressed in art history.
Investigate a modern artist from a non-European country, such as Gaganendranath Tagore. Prepare a presentation on how their work reflects their cultural identity and historical context. Highlight how their art contributes to the understanding of multiple modernisms and share your findings with the class.
Art – The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. – The Renaissance period was a pivotal moment in history that transformed art, emphasizing realism and human emotion.
Modernism – A cultural movement embracing human empowerment and rejecting traditionalism; it was characterized by a deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression. – Modernism in art introduced new perspectives and techniques, challenging the conventions of the past.
Abstraction – A style of art that uses shapes, colors, and forms to achieve its effect rather than depicting objects or people in a realistic manner. – The abstraction in Picasso’s work allows viewers to interpret the art in multiple ways, engaging their imagination.
Culture – The ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society, often reflected in their art, music, and literature. – The culture of ancient Egypt is vividly depicted through its art, showcasing their beliefs and daily life.
Influences – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. – The influences of African art are evident in the bold patterns and vibrant colors of modern Western art.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often recorded in written documents, artifacts, and art. – Art history provides insight into how societies have evolved and how cultural values have shifted over time.
Expression – The process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings, often through art, music, or writing. – Van Gogh’s use of color and brushwork in his paintings is a powerful expression of his emotional state.
Identity – The qualities, beliefs, personality, and expressions that make a person or group different from others, often explored through art. – Artists often explore themes of identity in their work, reflecting on personal and cultural narratives.
Technology – The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry, which has significantly impacted the creation and distribution of art. – The advent of digital technology has revolutionized the way art is created and shared, allowing for new forms of expression.
Colonial – Relating to or characteristic of a colony or colonies, often reflecting the cultural and artistic influences of the colonizing power. – Colonial art often blends indigenous techniques with European styles, creating a unique cultural tapestry.
