ARMOURY SHOW Meaning and
Definition
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The Armoury Show refers to an important exhibition of modern art that took place in New York City in 1913. The term specifically refers to the International Exhibition of Modern Art, held at the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue. It marked a pivotal moment in the development of modern art in the United States.
The Armoury Show introduced American audiences to groundbreaking European artistic movements, including Cubism, Fauvism, and Futurism. The exhibition featured nearly 1,300 works by artists from Europe and the United States, challenging traditional artistic conventions and aesthetics. It showcased avant-garde art that pushed the boundaries of representation and experimented with new forms and techniques.
The impact of the Armoury Show was significant, as it brought modern art to a wider American audience. The exhibition was met with mixed reactions, causing both admiration and controversy. While many viewers were fascinated by the innovative and radical works, others were bewildered or even hostile to this new aesthetic.
The Armoury Show is often regarded as a watershed moment in American art history, as it exposed the public to a new wave of artistic expression. Its influence on the development of American modernism cannot be understated, as many artists who were previously unknown or ignored gained recognition and later became influential figures in the American art scene. The show sparked discussions about the value and purpose of art, ultimately paving the way for further experimentation and exploration within the world of contemporary art.
Etymology of ARMOURY SHOW
The term "Armoury Show" refers to the International Exhibition of Modern Art that took place in New York City in 1913. Its etymology is derived from the venue where the exhibition was held, the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets. The show was organized by the Association of American Painters and Sculptors and was a groundbreaking event in showcasing avant-garde and modernist art from Europe and America. It introduced many Americans to movements such as Cubism, Fauvism, and Futurism, signaling a significant shift in the art world at the time. The term "Armoury Show" has since become synonymous with this influential exhibition.
