Modern art refers to artistic work produced during the period extending roughly from the 1860s to the 1970s, and denotes the styles and philosophies of the art produced during that era. The term is usually associated with art in which the traditions of the past have been thrown aside in a spirit of experimentation. Modern artists experimented with new ways of seeing and with fresh ideas about the nature of materials and functions of art. A tendency away from the narrative, which was characteristic of the traditional arts, toward abstraction is characteristic of much modern art.
Before the 19th century, artists were most often commissioned to make artwork by wealthy patrons or institutions like the church. Much of this art depicted religious or mythological scenes that told stories intended to instruct the viewer. During the 19th century, many artists started to make art based on their own, personal experiences and ideas, rather than just creating works that were commissioned by others.
Some of the key movements and artists associated with modern art include:
- Impressionism: A movement that began in the late 19th century and emphasized the use of light and color to capture the fleeting impressions of a moment.
- Fauvism: A movement that emerged in the early 20th century and emphasized the use of bold, bright colors and simplified forms.
- Expressionism: A movement that emerged in the early 20th century and emphasized the expression of emotion and feeling through art.
- Cubism: A movement that emerged in the early 20th century and emphasized the use of geometric shapes and multiple perspectives to depict a subject.
- Abstract Expressionism: A movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and emphasized the use of spontaneous, gestural brushstrokes and the exploration of the subconscious mind.
More recent artistic production is often called contemporary art or postmodern art.
