early- and mid twentieth century art definitions

abstract

works of art that may have form, but have little or non attempt at pictorial representation

action paintings

an abstract painting in which the artist drips or splatters paint onto a surface like a canvas in order to create the work

assemblage

a three-dimensional work made of various materials such as wood, cloth, paper, and miscellaneous objects

biomorphism

a movement stressing organic shapes that hint at natural forms

cantilever

a projecting beam that is attached to a building at one end, but suspended in the air at the other

color and field painting

a style of abstract painting characterized by simple shapes and monochromatic color

earthwork

a large outdoor work in which the earth itself is the medium

ferroconcrete

steel reinforced concrete; the two materials act together to resist building stresses

happening

an act of performance art that is initially planned but involved spontaneity. Improvisation, and often audience participation

Harlem Renaissance

a particularly rich artistic period in the 1920 and 1930s that is named after the African American neighborhood in New York city where it emerged. It is marked by a cultural resurgence by African Americans in the fields of painting, writing, music, and photography

installation

a temporary work of art made up of assemblages created for a particular space, like an art gallery or a museum

mobile

a sculpture made of several different items that dangle from a ceiling that can be set into motion by air currents

neoplasticism

a term coined by Piet mountain to describe works of art that contain only primary and neutral colors and only straight, vertical, or horizontal lines intersecting at right angles

photomontage

the technique of creating an image by combining photographs, sometimes with other materials, to form a unified image

ready-made

a commonplace or found object selected and exhibited as a work of art

silkscreen

a printing technique that passes ink or paint through a stenciled image to make multiple copies

Venice Biennale

a major show of contemporary art that takes place every other year in various venues throughout the city of Venice; begun in 1895