Modernism: A Critical Analysis

 

Image: Salvador Dali's Modernism Work Portrayed by his painting Metamorphosis of Narcissus, Source Tate.org

            Modernism Art was a new and unconventional artistic expression era in the mid 19th century to the mid 20th century. Artists transitioned from prior eras and trends to create a new style that more accurately represented the culture, experiences, and feelings of the new modern and industrialized world. Their goal was to create art that "better reflected the realities and hopes of modern societies" (Tate.org). Many of the visual art depicted a twist or unconventional aspect that was unique to the viewers of the time. From using shapes, to creating pieces in an abstract manner, the modernism period shaped many traits of art today. 

            I provided the painting Metamorphosis of Narcissus by the influential Salvador Dali because it reminded me of the many modern and abstract works of today that owe much of their inspiration to the modernism era. Dali's new and unique style represented the everchanging world of the time. He presented society in an odd and deranged way that not only criticized modern society but also represented and promoted it. In relation to today's society, many of the same ideas that Dali expressed through his paintings in the modernism era shine through in current works of abstract and modern art. Likewise, many of today's visual works that resemble the style of mid-century modernism also focus on the idea of our current developing and shifting society, whether that be relating towards ideas of politics, culture, or adapting industrialization.