Modern Art

Modernism

An artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing new forms and ideas, and a departure from traditional aesthetics.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class in France, particularly those who have social and economic power in modern society.

Charles Baudelaire

French poet and critic who coined the term 'modernity' and critiqued the art exhibition system of his time.

Genre Painting

Art that depicts scenes of everyday life, focusing on ordinary people and everyday events.

Avant-garde

Artists or works that are innovative, pushing the boundaries of artistic norms and conventions.

Abstraction

An artistic style that emphasizes forms and colors over realistic representation.

Expressionism

An art movement characterized by the use of vivid colors and exaggerated forms to evoke emotional responses.

Instantaneity

The quality of being immediate or existing in the present moment, often emphasized in modernist art.

Postmodernism

A subsequent movement that emerged in the late 20th century, often characterized by a departure from modernist ideals and a focus on deconstructing established narratives.

Salan System

A system used for art exhibitions in France where selected works were displayed, often limiting artistic innovation.

Collage

An artistic technique that involves combining various materials, such as paper, fabric, and other objects, to create a new whole.

The Flowers of Evil

An epic poem by Charles Baudelaire that explores themes of beauty and evil in modernity.

Contemporaneity

The quality of being contemporary or belonging to the same time period, especially regarding modern life.

Photography

The art or practice of capturing images through a lens, which gained prominence in the 19th century.

Urbanization

The process by which cities grow, and societies become more urban, affecting art and culture.

Jackson Pollock

An American painter known for his role in abstract expressionism, particularly for his style of drip painting.

Mixed Media

An art technique that combines various artistic media, such as paint, fabric, and paper, in a single artwork.

Folk Art

Art produced by untrained artists that reflects the culture and traditions of a community.

Outsider Art

Art created by self-taught or naïve artists who are not part of the mainstream art world.

Baron Haussmann

An urban planner known for redesigning Paris in the mid-19th century, creating wide boulevards and modern infrastructure.

Salon Exhibition

An annual art exhibition held in France featuring works from established and emerging artists.

Rembrandt

A Dutch painter known for his masterful use of light and shadow, and his innovative approach to portraiture.

Gustav Klimt

A modern artist known for his distinctive ornamental style and intricate use of patterns, often exploring themes of femininity.

‘Degenerate Art’ Exhibition

A controversial 1937 exhibition in Nazi Germany, showcasing modern art as a form of social corruption.

Bohemia

A cultural movement associated with artists and intellectuals who rejected societal norms and embraced alternative lifestyles.

Social Change

Transformations in societal structures, norms, and values, often influencing artistic expressions.

New Audience

The emerging middle class that began to engage with and shape artistic practices in the modern period.