Modernism is a complex and expansive artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encompassing various domains such as literature, art, music, architecture, philosophy, and social sciences. Characterized by its rejection of traditional norms, modernism aimed to revolutionize and break away from established conventions, promoting innovation, experimentation, and individualism.
In literature, modernism sought to challenge established narrative techniques and portray a fragmented and subjective view of reality. Notable modernist authors include James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and T.S. Eliot. Similarly, modernist art, notably represented by figures like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky, emphasized the exploration of new techniques, abstract forms, and unconventional subject matter.
In architecture, modernism prioritized functionality, simplicity, and the use of new materials such as steel and glass, as exemplified by the Bauhaus movement and architects like Le Corbusier. Modernist philosophy, with thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger, questioned traditional beliefs and sought to redefine human existence, ethics, and knowledge.
Modernism also had significant social and political implications, challenging hierarchical structures and advocating for new social orders. It aimed to embody the spirit of the times, reflecting the rapid changes brought on by industrialization, urbanization, and scientific advancements.
Key characteristics of modernism include a rejection of traditional values and forms, an emphasis on individual experience and expression, the celebration of technological progress, and a constant inclination towards innovation and change.
