Modernist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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modernist
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Definitions
art movement
A modernist is an individual who advocates for or embodies the principles of modernism, which is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement is characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and a search for new forms of expression in art, literature, and architecture. Modernists often sought to capture the essence of modern life and the experience of contemporary society.
Synonyms
avant-gardist, innovator, progressive.
Examples of usage
- Many modernists experimented with abstract forms.
- The exhibition featured works by prominent modernists.
- Modernists challenged conventional narratives.
art style
Modernist refers to anything related to the modernism movement, particularly in the arts. It typically describes works or styles that embrace new techniques, ideas, and perspectives introduced during the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century, aiming to reflect the realities of modern life. Modernist art often emphasizes abstraction, fragmentation, and individualism.
Synonyms
contemporary, forward-thinking, new-age.
Examples of usage
- The gallery specializes in modernist paintings.
- She studies modernist literature.
- Modernist architecture is known for its simplicity.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'modernism' emerged in the late 19th to early 20th century as artists sought to capture the realities of their changing world.
- Many modernist thinkers were influenced by rapid industrialization and the upheavals of World War I, which motivated a break from past conventions.
- Key figures such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce pushed boundaries in literature, experimenting with stream of consciousness and narrative techniques.
Literature
- Modernist literature often includes fragmented narratives and multiple perspectives, as seen in works like 'Ulysses' by Joyce.
- Poets such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound broke traditional structures, leading to an exploration of disillusionment in the modern age.
- The concept of 'the lost generation,' referring to a group of American writers disillusioned after World War I, epitomizes modernist literature.
Art
- In visual arts, modernism brought forth movements like Cubism and Abstract Expressionism, challenging perceptions of reality.
- Artists like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky explored new ways to represent emotions and ideas in their works.
- Modernist art often rejected realism, focusing instead on the emotional and symbolic significance of the visual elements.
Architecture
- Modernist architecture emphasizes simplicity, functionalism, and the use of new materials like steel and glass.
- Buildings like the Villa Savoye designed by Le Corbusier exemplify the modernist principles of space and light.
- This architectural movement aimed to create structures that were both practical and aesthetically innovative, breaking away from ornamentation.
Philosophy
- Modernist thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche questioned traditional values and morality, influencing various fields including literature and art.
- The emphasis on individual experience and perception became a key theme in modernist philosophy.
- Philosophers argued that seeking meaning in a rapidly evolving world required new approaches to understanding human existence.
Origin of 'modernist'
The term 'modernist' derives from the word 'modern,' which comes from the Latin 'modernus,' meaning 'just now' or 'of the present.' This Latin term is rooted in 'modo,' meaning 'just' or 'a way,' reflecting the notion of being up-to-date or contemporary. Modernism as a movement began to take shape in the late 19th century, characterized by its reaction against the conventional forms of art, literature, and social organization. It emerged in various domains, including visual arts, literature, music, and architecture, in response to the dramatic changes in society, such as industrialization, urbanization, and the impact of technology. The modernist period is often associated with notable figures like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, and T.S. Eliot in literature; Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse in visual arts; and Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in architecture. The movement emphasized abstraction, experimentation, and a focus on the individual's perception of reality, laying the foundation for many subsequent artistic developments in the 20th century.