Shapings of Modernism

"One does not replace the past, one only adds a further link to it" - Paul Cezanne

The Card Players by Paul Cezanne

Paul Cezanne is an excellent person to start with as we begin the study of Modernism. Paul Cezanne (1839-1906) was a French artist whose work laid the foundations of the transition from 19th century artwork to modernistic art. His works convey intense study of the subjects, searching gaze, and a successful attempt to portray the world from the complexity of human visual perception. "Cezanne's use of colour as tone and his obsession with the formal elements of composition made it possible for artists who came after to question what they saw and how they represented what they saw on their canvas." (theartgallery.com)

The Forest by Paul Cezanne

Cezanne's influence on American artists and on modernism can still be seen through paintings using "patches of color, affinity for vibrant colors, tilted table tops, multiple views, and complex structures." (Cezanne and American Modernism) These pieces of art not only soothe the soul, but also convey the spirit of Modernism.

Modernism is a revolt against realism. In other words, the olden ways of art, architecture, literature, and even religion were outdating, boring, and non-applicable especially in this new age of social, economic, and political advancement. Furthermore, modernism rejects Enlightenment thinking, including the idea of an all-powerful creator.

But what was the purpose? Many modernists believe that "Modernism, aside from its virtuosity and playful approach, offers greater opportunities of inclusion through its questioning of natural distinctions, of language, culture, and politics." (blog of Rhys Tranter) Modernism allows for discovery and progression. Following are some examples of influences of modernism:

1) Arnold Schoenberg strayed away from "tonal harmony" in music and shifted towards a new way of organizing sound! Piano Concerto op. 42 (Exerpt)

2) Abstract artists, like the earlier mentioned Paul Cezanne, started the assumption of color and shape as the essential characteristic of art, not the depiction of the natural world.

From Artur Sikora

3) Photography strove to depict objects more as a spiritualist phase of development rather than a materialistic object.

4) Modern buildings with a newer/machine look emphasized materials and geometrical forms. Just take a look at the new skyscrapers.

So, in summary, Modernism is a fine example of our adaptation to the changing environment. With more technology and faster paced world, modernism is a necessary and excellent era that introduces deeper appreciation and beauty of the advancing society.