Style & movement
Modernism
A broad cultural movement that broke with historical imitation and sought new forms for modern society, materials and technologies.
- Category
- Style & movement
- Index letter
- M
Understanding the term
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.
Related entries
Continue through the glossary with terms from the same field.