modernismparticularly

Modernism, particularly in the arts and architecture, refers to a broad movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and conventions. Modernist artists and thinkers sought to express new realities brought about by industrialization, technological advancements, and changing social and political landscapes. This often involved experimentation with form, material, and subject matter.

In literature, modernism saw a shift towards stream of consciousness, fragmentation, and subjective experience. Authors explored themes of alienation, the subconscious, and the complexities of the modern psyche. Visual arts embraced abstraction, cubism, futurism, and surrealism, challenging established notions of representation. Architecture, famously represented by figures like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, emphasized functionality, clean lines, and the use of new materials like steel and glass, rejecting ornamentation in favor of simplicity and efficiency.

The movement was not monolithic, encompassing a wide range of individual styles and ideologies. However, a common thread was a belief in progress and a desire to capture the essence of contemporary life. Modernism had a profound and lasting impact, shaping much of the artistic and architectural production that followed and continuing to influence creative thought today.