Lecture 9 - Modernism

Lecture 9

Modernism

Here is  very thorough analysis of the definition of modernism:

       is the term used to describe the cultural expressions of modernity in relation to the experience of modernity. In essence, there was a ‘utopian’ flavour to the modernist ‘project’. In design, it was agreed that designs should not be illusionary or create false impressions. Modernists embraced new technologies. Also, design initiative had to allow for the mass production of goods – thus, simple forms were preferred over complex ones. The idea that design was functional was of prime importance, a key idea being “Form Follows Function”. The shift away from ornate decoration was politically inspired as fancy decoration and ornamentation was equated with the bourgeoisie and decadent frippery. Modernist philosophies embraced the idea of change for the better. In the aftermath of World War 1 (The Great War 1914-1918), it was felt that such a tragedy and waste of life could not happen again. The feeling therefore in the 1920’s was one of optimism and that modernism would direct the way towards a progressive society. For the modernist, it was an appealing idea that a design/artwork would be instantly recognisable to an international audience. Part of this internationalist tendency derived from the post WW1 attitude towards the need to bring countries together. There was a belief held amongst modernists that design and art could change the way people think. Underlying the Town Planning Movement and mass housing projects was an idea that such projects would improve the public. Modernism was adopted almost as a religion. It constituted a set of beliefs, which sat within a context where people felt they were living in a ‘new age’. The term ‘Zeitgeist’ refers to this feeling of “the Spirit of the Age”. Modernist Critics such as Clement Greenberg championed abstract art above figurative work, but by the late 1960s the dogmatism of modernism came to be challenged by post modernism.

What i have learned from the lecture:


there is a huge religious presents in the modernism movement

the movement is becoming very simplistic and the medium they choose is starting to go in a strange direction, using concrete etc.



i struggled to get my head around this lecture also, and i really didnt get anything out of it, the examples did show a sense of simplicity that was emerging but underlying that was still a very traditional art style.

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