It is not widely known that in studying art in our current day, a multitude of fields are covered. Culture, religion, spirituality, philosophy, literature, architecture, design, reformation, "the spirit of the time", colonialism, war, global community relations and history at large to name and that's but a few besides for the history and making of art itself.
Artists' have a role within society - tasked with encouraging uprisings, bringing social and political concerns to light, uplifting the spirits of others and starting much needed change making initiatives. As collectives - artists managed to make history in the movements which have been documented over the ages. In our current confusing times of post-post modernism - new movements are in the making and yet to be "categorized / defined" and documented by the art world at large.
Street art with multiple unknown artists' at hand, an image quite
appropriate to the ideas behind ideas we find in art today.
Art movements throughout history have played a crucial role in shaping the artistic landscape and reflecting the socio-cultural dynamics of their respective periods. Here's a brief overview of major art movements from the early ages to contemporary post-postmodern times:
There is of course extensive background behind each movement and movements within movements, but, this list hits the tip of the iceberg.
1. Prehistoric Art:
This includes cave paintings and rock art created by prehistoric humans, dating back thousands of years. These artworks primarily depict daily life, animals, and religious or ritualistic practices.
2. Ancient Art:
The art of ancient civilizations such as Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman civilizations focused on monumental architecture, sculpture, painting, and decorative arts. It often reflected themes of religion, mythology, power, and human form.
Art making and the science of materials linked to expressions of human experience started to evolve during this period. Art was becoming a reflection of the development of society.
3. Medieval and Byzantine Art:
During the Middle Ages, religious art dominated, with iconic frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, and stained glass windows featuring intricate biblical narratives. Byzantine art often showcased religious iconography and mosaics.
4. Renaissance:
This period marked a rebirth of interest in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael produced realistic and harmonious paintings, sculptures, and architecture inspired by humanism and religious themes.
5. Baroque:
Baroque art, characterized by its dramatic and elaborate style, flourished in the 17th century. Artists like Caravaggio and Bernini created extravagant works depicting intense emotions, dynamic compositions, and opulent decorations.
6. Rococo:
Emerging in the 18th century, Rococo art embraced delicate and ornate forms with soft colors, pastel palettes, and playful themes. Artists like Jean-Antoine Watteau and François Boucher depicted scenes of love, leisure, and aristocratic life.
7. Neoclassicism:
Growing in response to the excesses of the Rococo period, neoclassical art emerged in the late 18th century. Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art, it sought to capture noble ideals, moral virtue, and patriotism, with artists like Jacques-Louis David leading the movement.
8. Romanticism:
Romantic art emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing emotions, individualism, and the sublime. Artists such as J.M.W. Turner and Eugène Delacroix depicted dramatic landscapes, intense human experiences, and exotic subjects.
9. Realism:
In the mid-19th century, realism emerged as a reaction against romanticism, focusing on capturing the everyday life and social realities. Artists like Gustave Courbet and Honoré Daumier depicted scenes of labour, poverty, and social injustice with accuracy.
10. Impressionism:
Impressionist artists, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, sought to capture fleeting moments and the effects of light through loose brushwork and vibrant colours. Their works focused on landscapes, cityscapes, and contemporary scenes.
11. Post-Impressionism:
Post-Impressionism: Building on impressionism, post-impressionist artists like Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin experimented with form, colours, and perspective. They pushed artistic boundaries and paved the way for later advancements.
12. Cubism:
Impressionist artists, including Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, sought to capture fleeting moments and the effects of light through loose brushwork and vibrant colors. Their works focused on landscapes, cityscapes, and contemporary scenes.
13. Surrealism:
Surrealist artists, such as Salvador DalÃ, René Magritte, and Max Ernst, explored the realm of dreams, the subconscious, and irrationality. They created fantastical, bizarre, and symbolic imagery, challenging conventional notions of reality.
14. Abstract Expressionism:
Emerging after World War II, abstract expressionist artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning emphasized emotional and spontaneous expressions through abstract forms and gestural techniques.
15. Pop Art:
Pop artists, including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, celebrated popular culture, consumerism, and mass media imagery. They used bright colors, bold lines, and iconic imagery to blur the boundaries between high art and popular culture.
16. Minimalism:
Minimalist artists, such as Donald Judd and Dan Flavin, sought to emphasize simplicity and objectivity, reducing art to its essential elements. They used geometric forms, industrial materials, and repetition to create minimalist sculptures and installations.
17. Postmodernism:
Postmodern art emerged in the late 20th century, rejecting the modernist concept of a singular truth or grand narrative. Artists like Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, and Barbara Kruger appropriated images, mixed media, and challenged traditional artistic conventions.
18. Post-Postmodernism:
This term refers to the current era, in which artists explore themes of hybridity, cultural diversity, individual narratives, and the blurring of boundaries between various art forms. It is characterized by an eclectic and inclusive approach to art-making.
Art movements in a nutshell - the rabbit hole behind each kind is never-ending. There are countless artists who were apart of the history of the making of art movements whose work went undocumented or acknowledged.
It's important to note that this overview provides a simplified understanding of the vast and diverse world of art history. Each movement encompasses multiple artists, styles, and sub-movements that evolved over time, resulting in a rich tapestry of artistic expression.
Have a look on the blog for the overview of the main artists / characteristics and historical events which ran in along the timeline of each movements development. Art history writers had a tricky time in trying to categorise art as it usually can be defined once the there were collective patterns, major shifts, and spirit of the time has been properly experienced, engaged with, documented and fully developed.
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