Modernism and Post-Modernism

Modern artists are given credit for questioning tradition and attempting to change what had been previously encouraged in the art world. In the early 20th century modern art was heavily criticized and often misunderstood. It was accused of being ridiculous, a publicity stunt, or even untrained. In reality it was only a product of modern day society where new development and change are highly valued and appreciated. The art world was following the pattern of constant outward growth by expanding traditional definitions of "art". What is considered to be modern begins as early as 1905 with the Fauve movement at the Salon in France where critics referred to artists as wild beasts (because of their brushwork and wild color choices). A great example would be Henri Matisse's Woman With The Hat that was criticized for its drawing and incoherent effect. However this only marks the beginning of a movement which continues to evolve even through architecture until it literally exhausts itself.

There is no exact date that marks when Modernism finally gave way to Post-Modernism which is said to be around the 1970's when there were no more questions to be asked of the original art convention. Artists had taken it to the extreme with site-specific work and even one artist declaring his body was a work of art and that he wanted to be displayed in the MoMa after his death. Post-Modernism can be characterized by pluralism which is considered to be where a number of styles coexist simultaneously. Post-Modernists tend to revive pervious styles and media with their primary goal being to make an artistic statement and use art to comment on the world. An example would be Cindy Sherman's Untitled Film Still which featured herself in well know plots of old movies. They were all examples of roles woman play in our culture and her comment on societies influence on our lives.