The first signs of modernism appeared in the 1860s with the impressionists, who rejected the traditional notion that art should depict subjects in a realistic manner and instead focused on capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere.
The most important development of modernism occurred during the early 20th century, when artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque introduced Cubism, a new style of art that broke up objects into geometric shapes. Other modernist movements included Futurism, Dada, and Surrealism.
Modernism came to an end in the mid-20th century with the rise of postmodernism, a new art movement that rejected the modernist focus on progress and certainty and instead embraced diversity and skepticism.
Here are some of the key characteristics of modernism:
* Rejection of traditional values
* Focus on the future
* Experimentation with new forms of art
* Emphasis on individuality and personal expression
* Belief in the power of art to change society
* The idea that art should not be beautiful, but rather should be thought-provoking
Some of the most important modernist artists include:
* Pablo Picasso
* Georges Braque
* Henri Matisse
* Juan Gris
* Wassily Kandinsky
* Piet Mondrian
* Jackson Pollock
* Willem de Kooning
* Mark Rothko
Modernism was a major force in the development of Western art and left a lasting legacy that can be seen in art, architecture, and literature today.