ARCH 541: 1910-1930s CE

Introduction to Modernism

• Modernism marks a pivotal period in architecture and art, occurring just after the turn of the century.

• It represents a departure from historicism and revivalist movements towards new architectural ideologies and movements.

• Emphasizes radical changes initiated by key architects and movements that influenced contemporary practices and discussions.

Characteristics of Modernism

• Modernism is not uniform but varies widely across different regions and contexts.

• Radical individuals and movements brought forth significant changes that challenged previous concepts and aesthetic norms.

• Common themes include a rejection of established conventions and a search for authentic, personal expressions in art and architecture.

The Influence of the Academy

• Prior to the 20th century, European art, including architecture, was significantly influenced by academic traditions.

• Art from this period was often seen as sentimental and derivative, promoting bourgeois ideals and values.

• The academy's conventions were criticized for being static and lacking innovation, leading to a desire for more expressive forms of art.

Breakaway Artists

• Artists like Matisse and Rousseau began pushing the boundaries of artistic representation, employing unconventional techniques and styles.

• There was a shift towards expressing feelings and character rather than strict realism, thus questioning the established norms of beauty and representation.

• The term avant-garde suggests those pushing the boundaries in art were viewed as sacrificial pioneers of new ideas.

The Art Nouveau Movement

• Art Nouveau (1890-1905) arose as a reaction to established artistic traditions, representing 'new art'.

• It blended influences from various sources, including traditional European art and Far Eastern aesthetics.

• Artists sought to integrate life and art, challenging the perceived devaluation of art in a rapidly industrializing society.

Vienna Secession Movement

• The Vienna Secession was a response to the conservative tendencies of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts and featured innovators like Gustav Klimt.

• Founded in 1897, the movement aimed to create a new artistic language instead of adhering to the historicist styles favored by institutions.

• Members like Klimt and Joseph Hoffman challenged traditional aesthetics and sought to redefine art and its role in society.

Adolf Loos

• Adolf Loos emerged as a significant figure in architecture, known for his essays and critique of excessive ornamentation.

• He believed ornament represented cultural degeneration, advocating for a functional, stripped-down aesthetic.

• Loos emphasized that architecture should serve a purpose and resonate with everyday life, distancing it from purely artistic aspirations.

The Goldman & Salatsch Building

• Designed by Loos, the Goldman & Salatsch building in Vienna exemplified his minimalist aesthetic and rejection of excessive decoration.

• The building's controversy highlighted the public's resistance to modern architecture in contrast to the historical structures around it.

Impact of Futurism

• Futurism, led by Marinetti, sought to destroy the past and glorified speed, strength, and violence as aesthetic values.

• The movement advocated for radical change in artistic practices and societal values, leading to complex ideologies that mixed aesthetics with aggressive nationalism.

Futurism's Manifesto and Ideologies

• Marinetti's manifesto celebrated war and destruction, promoting themes of energy and audacity, aligning art with action.

• The extreme rhetoric illustrated a disconnect between progressive artistic methods and reactionary social views.

• Futurism's ideologies foreshadowed some troubling historical developments as its principles intertwined with rising nationalism and fascism.

The German Werkbund Movement

• Established in 1907, the Werkbund aimed to integrate artistic and industrial production, emphasizing the connection between artists and manufacturers.

• They focused on creating functional designs for mass consumption while elevating the quality of everyday objects, emphasizing socialism and worker rights.

• Peter Behrens became a prominent figure within this movement, bridging art and industry. He stressed functionality and simplicity in design.

Conclusion

• The emergence of modernism in architecture and art represents a significant ideological shift shaped by complex social, political, and technological forces.

• These movements illustrate the ways in which artists and architects responded to the rapid changes of their time, challenging established conventions and creating new pathways for the future of design and expression.