Nama Ebraheem
Modernism was a global movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It influenced men and women who lived in Europe. Artists all over the world used new techniques and imagery to create art that reflected the current modern society. This movement included many “isms”. “Some wanted to change the world, others just wanted to change the art. In Western art, movements and “isms” appeared, one after another: impressionism, postimpressionism, fauvism, cubism, futurism, constructivism, dada-ism, surrealism, expressionism, abstract expressionism, etc. Put them all together and what do we get? Modernism” (Guerilla Girls, 59). These styles of art created a movement for artists and allowed women to have the same freedom as men. Moreover, it gave women more rights in terms of work related to art. On one hand, their social position has changed drastically compared to the middle ages. For instances, women were allowed the right to vote in the 20th century. It was a huge accomplishment and confidence booster for all women around the United States. On the other hand, women still received a lot of discrimination. Also, it was believed that the male artist’s work was still better. Women were still expected to stay home and serve their husband and children.
Women artists in Europe helped influence the techniques and development of Modernism. They made a huge impact during modernism, especially with fashion. They started including different colors, patterns and abstract designs in designing clothes. Further, women artists in Europe influenced many movements such as movements of abstraction, German Expressionism, Dada, and surrealism. For instance, the abstraction is a type of art that doesn't have to be mainly focused and is usually created by different colors, shapes, and textures. It can be viewed in quilts, curtains, dresses, and other objects used around the house. Sonia Delaunay helped make build abstract art. She was known for her bold use of patterns using color. “Delaunay’s work with textiles and embroidery encouraged her to break down forms and emphasize surface structure” (Chadwick, 261). She was an influential skilled artist during her time. In this painting, she used the colors of black, white, and gray to signify the world.
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| Sonia Delaunay, Couverture de Berceau, 1911 |
“Their patterns of abstract forms were arranged both to enhance the natural movement of the body and to establish a shimmering movement of color” (Chadwick 262). That allowed women to show their talent and demolish the societal expectations of them. German Expressionism and Dada were other types of art. German expressionism is an artwork that tells a story in a way related to social or political aspects. However, Dadaism is “an art movement that challenged every convention (except male supremacy) and scandalized society” (Guerrilla Girls 66). Dadaism is a way of showing the reality that wasn’t meant to be seen. It uses shapes to portray the modern world. The art displays emotions so it is mostly dull. Hannah Hoch is a big named dada artist and her most famous piece is called Marlene.
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| Hannah Hoch, Marlene 1930 |
Surrealism was another movement in the 1900s which allowed artists to express their ideas within the unconscious mind. Many female artists during this time decided to make use of female figures illustrating that the female body was not always dominated by the male gaze. They were able to be in charge of the image they wanted women to have. Louise Bourgeois was a strong influence in the surrealist movement. Her drawing usually displayed the body of a female and showed how the woman had no voice during the time. While Frida Kahlo produced work with Surrealism characteristics but she was painting her reality. Her art expressed an emotion, event or her personal feelings. The Broken Column shows all the pain and suffering she went through but she is still standing strong.
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| Frida Kahlo, The Broken Column 1944 |
Postmodernism developed after world war two. World War two signified the beginning of technological advancement which influenced art. Postmodernism and modernism consist of some similar ideas though they’re still considered to be opposite forms of art. For example, Modernism focused more on unrealistic abstract ideas while postmodernism is about reality and the actual experiences of those expressing their artwork. While modernism focused on finding an answer, postmodernism questioned it. “Postmodernism was known as the breaking down of the unified traditions of Modernism”, "Postmodernism draws heavily on existing representations rather than inventing new styles, and it often derives its imagery from mass media or popular culture, has focused attention on the ways that sexual and cultural difference are produced and reinforced in these images."(Chadwick 380). Essentially, postmodernism is about pluralism and inclusion of all people and art forms. Art expanded to include many different forms. Therefore, this called for diversity and contradiction.
Feminist viewpoints played a huge role in Postmodernism. Artists often used their own bodies as canvases to deliver their messages across to the audience. Such as Hannah Wilke who made the video “Gestures” to portray how facial expressions can be perceived in many different ways. It also demonstrated that the female body does not need to be framed to be stereotyped by men.
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| Hannah Wilke, Gesture 1974 |
Also, Yoko Ono and her famous performance artwork called “Cut Piece”. She gave herself to the audience and allowed them to cut her clothing off. It demonstrated that the audience lacked the consideration of the artist's or any female body.
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| Yoko Ono, Cut Piece 1964 |
Barbara Kruger was another artist in postmodernism who further depicted this by “emphasizing the ways in which language manipulates and undermines the assumption of masculine control over language and viewing, by refusing to complete the cycle of meaning, and by shifting pronouns in order to expose the positioning of woman as other" (Chadwick 382). Her works mostly challenge viewers to question the culture, social, and societal.
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| Barbara Kruger, your body is battleground 1989 |
Overall, Modernism and Postmodernism both had a common push for feminism. They both were time periods that included heavy women involvement. Also, postmodernism expression was used to demolish the male superiority that was held with art in the past.
Works Cited
The Guerilla Girls, The Guerrilla Girls' Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art. Penguin Books, 2006.
Chadwick, Whitney. Women, Art, and Society. Langara College, 2016
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