FINAL EXAM - Modernism Vocab

Impressionism

Artistic movement that began in 1874 with a group of anonymous society of artists called the Impressionists. A response in disatisfaction with Salon and academic traning and growing interest with Japanese prints, photography, visible and distinct brushwork in short dabs, fleeting moments, and reflections of modern times.

Modernism/Modern Art

Arose in response to changes related to industrial revolution— break from tradition, continual artistic cycle of breaking precedent

Japonisme

French term from late 19th century which refers to the interest in Japanese art and design in the West.

En Plein Air

19th century manner of style involved with capturing fleeting moments of outdoor settings and in the open air.

Post-Impressionism

Late 19th century art movement in France that paralled and followed Impressionism. Similar interests and styles yet modified Impressionism. Had two routes, scientific and emotional

Impasto

A painting technique of applying thick layers of undiluted paint to the canvas, so that it is raised from the surface.

Pointillism

The application of purely colored dots on the canvas.

Fauvism

Intense use of color that is unnaturalistic and inconsistent. Multiple vantage points. Lack of emphasis with proportion. “Wild beasts of color”

Analytic Cubism

The breaking down or reduction of form and space resulting in a fragmentary image with multiple viewpoints.

Synthetic Cubism

A later phase of cubism which combined the abstracted form of analytic cubism with brighter colors and collage elements to create a unique whole.

Dada

A 20th Century international art movement which questioned/mocked social and artistic norms and emphasized the illogical and absurd.

Readymade

Ordinary manufactured objects selected and modified by the artist.

Surrealism

Related to teachings of Sigmund Freud. Went against constraints of rational mind with dream analysis and strange juxtapositions.

Sigmund Freud

Austrian neurologist that revolutionized Psychoanalysis that profoundly influenced Surrealism.

Automatism

The performance of actions without consicious thought or intention.

Grattage

A technique in surrealist painting which consists of "scratching" fresh paint with a sharp blade.

Harlem Renaissance

A rebirth of African American culture including music, literature, dramatic and visual arts centered in Harlem, New York.

Abstract Expressionism: Action Painting

A style of painting where the paint is spontaneously flung, splattered, or smeared onto the canvas instead of being carefully applied to the surface.

Abstract Expressionism: Color-Field Painting

Type of American Abstract painting that features large “fields” of color.

Pop Art

Response to post-WWII growth in the American economy that created a consumer culture with more expendable income. Used subject matter and visual methods derived from popular advertising/culture. A movement of dualities: celebration vs critique, handmade vs mass-produced, art vs commodity. Inspired by the methods of Duchamp.

Serial Artwork

Art that is conceived in a series or as part of a larger group.