Modernism

Modernism contains many conflicting movements from the late nineteenth century through the twentieth. They share a search for contemporary form and an examination of each medium's own possibilities. The term is therefore a broad historical umbrella, not one single style.

When Modernism is used as a style label, it points to a family of formal qualities and ideas rather than a fixed recipe. Periods and movements overlap, and a single work may draw on several styles.

The label becomes more precise when considered alongside date, composition, colour, materials and historical context. A style can inspire work long after its original period, so appearance alone does not date an object.