When we hear the term “modern art,” we might think of art that’s trendy today. However, modern art actually refers to a style that began over 150 years ago. This style includes famous artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Gauguin. Interestingly, the modern art movement, which was once seen as groundbreaking and even shocking, was heavily inspired by traditional and ancient designs.
During the Renaissance, European art focused on classical forms and realistic representation. But by the late 19th century, artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne started pushing the boundaries of painting. They wanted to create a new style of art and often looked beyond Western culture for inspiration. For example, Paul Gauguin moved to Tahiti in the 1890s, where he was inspired by the local people, landscapes, and culture. His work blended European themes with Polynesian stories.
Many artists looked to the Islamic world for inspiration, but the most significant influence came from Sub-Saharan Africa. As European empires expanded into Africa, African artifacts and artworks began appearing in museums and collections. Henri Matisse, a notable collector, showed Picasso a mask from the Dan tribe of the Ivory Coast. This sparked Picasso’s interest, leading him to visit the Trocadéro Ethnographic Museum in Paris in 1907. There, he discovered African art, which featured stylized figures and masks made from wood and simple materials. Picasso found these masks to embody the essence of painting.
At that time, Picasso was working on a painting of five nude women, which would later be recognized as a precursor to Cubism. While three of the women had features reminiscent of ancient Iberian art, the faces of the two on the right resembled African masks. Created in 1907 after extensive sketches and studies, “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” is considered the first true masterpiece of the 20th century. It broke away from many traditional art concepts, featuring aggressive and abstract forms, distorted yet primal geometry, and a new artistic language. When first exhibited nearly ten years later, it shocked the public and critics, who called it immoral. Even Picasso’s friends were surprised, offended, and intrigued by his boldness.
After Picasso, many artists drew inspiration from African aesthetics, including Constantin Brâncuși and Amedeo Modigliani in Paris, as well as the German Expressionists. Others looked to different continents for inspiration. British sculptor Henry Moore based many of his semi-abstract bronze sculptures on a replica of a chacmool, a unique reclining statue from the Toltec-Maya culture. Pre-Columbian art also significantly influenced Josef Albers, who created a series of compositions like “Homage to the Square,” inspired by pyramids and local art he encountered during his visits to Mexico.
The inspiration drawn from ancient cultures sparked one of the most revolutionary movements in art history. However, it raises questions about whether these artists were explorers or appropriators, benefiting from cultures they considered primitive. These questions deserve careful thought as artists continue to redefine artistic standards. Perhaps soon, the bold innovations of modern art will seem like outdated traditions, ready to be challenged by new trailblazers drawing inspiration from unexpected sources.
Create a timeline that traces the evolution of art styles from the Renaissance to Modern Art. Highlight key artists and their works, focusing on how ancient art influenced their styles. Use images and brief descriptions to make your timeline visually engaging.
Select two artworks: one from an ancient culture and one modern piece influenced by that culture. Write a comparative analysis discussing the similarities and differences in style, themes, and materials. Consider how the modern artist was inspired by the ancient piece.
Design a virtual museum exhibit showcasing the influence of ancient art on modern artists like Picasso and Matisse. Include interactive elements such as clickable artifacts, artist interviews, and video tours. Present your exhibit to the class.
Participate in a class debate on whether modern artists’ use of ancient art elements constitutes cultural exploration or appropriation. Prepare arguments for both sides, considering historical context and the impact on the original cultures.
Create your own artwork inspired by an ancient culture, incorporating elements that reflect its style and themes. Write a short artist statement explaining your inspiration and the choices you made in your piece. Display your work in a class gallery.
The term “modern art” may suggest art that is currently popular, but it actually refers to a style that originated over 150 years ago, featuring artists who have since achieved classic status, such as Picasso, Matisse, and Gauguin. Ironically, the movement they pioneered, which was considered revolutionary and even scandalous at the time, was largely inspired by traditional and ancient designs.
As far back as the Renaissance, primary European art movements emphasized conventional representation and adherence to classical forms. However, this began to change in the late 19th century as artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne expanded the boundaries of painting. A movement emerged that aimed to create an entirely new style of art, often looking beyond Western civilization for inspiration. For instance, Paul Gauguin moved to Tahiti in the 1890s, where he drew inspiration from the island’s inhabitants, landscape, and culture, creating artwork that intertwined European themes with Polynesian lore.
Others looked to the cultures of the Islamic world, but the most influential inspiration came from Sub-Saharan Africa. As European empires expanded into Africa, its artifacts and artworks found their way into museums and collections. One notable collector was Henri Matisse, who showed Picasso a mask he had acquired from the Dan tribe of the Ivory Coast. This mask sparked Picasso’s curiosity, leading him to visit the Trocadéro Ethnographic Museum in Paris in 1907. The museum housed a collection of African art, featuring stylized figures and masks made of wood and decorated with simple colors and materials. This visit was a revelation for Picasso, who declared that African masks embodied the essence of painting.
At that time, Picasso was working on a painting of five nude women, which would later be recognized as a precursor to Cubism. While three of the women displayed facial features reminiscent of ancient Iberian art, the faces of the two on the right closely resembled African masks. Created in 1907 after extensive sketches and studies, “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” is considered the first true 20th-century masterpiece, breaking away from many previously held notions in art. It was aggressive and abstract, distorted yet primal in its raw geometry, representing a new artistic language with innovative forms, colors, and meanings. These avant-garde qualities caused a sensation when the painting was first exhibited nearly ten years later, shocking the public and prompting critics to denounce it as immoral. Even Picasso’s friends were simultaneously surprised, offended, and mesmerized by his audacity.
Following Picasso, many artists drew inspiration from African aesthetics, including Constantin Brâncuși and Amedeo Modigliani in Paris, as well as the German Expressionists. Others sought inspiration from different continents. British sculptor Henry Moore based many of his semi-abstract bronze sculptures on a replica of a chacmool, a distinctive reclining statue from the Toltec-Maya culture. Pre-Columbian art also significantly influenced Josef Albers, who created a series of compositions, such as the geometrical series “Homage to the Square,” inspired by pyramids and local art he encountered during his frequent visits to Mexico.
The inspiration drawn from ancient cultures initiated one of the most revolutionary movements in art history. However, questions arise about whether these artists were explorers or appropriators, profiting from cultures they viewed as primitive. Such inquiries deserve careful consideration, as artists continue to redefine standards. Perhaps in the near future, the bold innovations of modern art will appear as outdated orthodoxies, ready to be challenged by a new wave of radical trailblazers drawing inspiration from unexpected sources.
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 art gallery featured a stunning collection of contemporary paintings that challenged traditional notions of beauty.
Modern – Relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past, often characterized by a departure from traditional styles or values in art. – The modern dance performance incorporated innovative choreography that captivated the audience with its bold movements.
Inspiration – The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative in the arts. – The breathtaking landscape served as inspiration for the artist’s latest series of paintings.
African – Relating to the continent of Africa, its people, or its cultural and artistic expressions. – The African drumming ensemble brought vibrant rhythms and cultural richness to the music festival.
Cubism – An early 20th-century art movement that abandoned perspective and depicted subjects from multiple viewpoints to create a fragmented and abstract form. – Picasso’s cubism revolutionized the art world by presenting a new way of seeing reality through geometric shapes.
Culture – The arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively, often reflecting the customs, beliefs, and values of a society. – The museum’s exhibit on indigenous culture showcased traditional crafts and storytelling techniques.
Masks – Objects worn on the face, often used in performances or rituals, to represent characters, spirits, or abstract concepts in various cultural and artistic traditions. – The theater troupe used elaborate masks to convey the emotions and identities of their characters in the play.
Traditional – Existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established practices or styles, especially in the arts. – The traditional folk dance was performed with vibrant costumes and lively music, preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
Renaissance – A period of cultural rebirth and revival of classical learning and wisdom, particularly in art and literature, that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe. – The Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo created masterpieces that continue to influence modern art.
Aesthetics – A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art. – The minimalist aesthetics of the sculpture emphasized simplicity and elegance, drawing attention to its form and texture.
