Modernism & Post-Modernism

Modernism and post-modernism brought about fundamental change within societies all around the world. Modernism started roughly around the end of the 19^th, early 20^th century and was succeeded by post-modernism around the mid 20^th century. Modernism's main focus was to over through traditional forms of art and the conventional wisdom associated with it. One of the leading events facilitating this process was World War 1. The brutal and long lasting trench warfare made people question political life and the state of art within it. “From the end of the 19^th century to the first half of the 20^th, revolution was on everyone's mind, including artists. Some wanted to change the world, others just wanted to change art. In Western art, movements and “isms” appeared, one after another: impressionism, post-impressionism, fauvism, cubism, futurism, constructivism, dada-ism, surrealism, expressionism, abstract expressionism, etc. Put them all together and what do we get? 'Modernism'”. (Guerrilla Girls, 59) Even though women where still widely disenfranchised within the art community, the age of Modernism certainly gave them some freedoms they where previously denied. It is important to note, however, that Modernism was highly hierarchical. There where clear separations between high art, which encompassed paintings, and low art. Furthermore, it was considered to be elitist, as it was viewed as an intellectual pursuit, not made for everyone.

Late 19th century clothing, with a tight corset 

restricting the stomach from it's natural size

Modernism did not, however, exclusively focus on painting, on the contrary, it radically changed women clothing as well. Chadwick writes:”By the last quarter of the nineteenth century, the issue of reforming women's dress had become one aspect of wider feminist concerns. The bustles, whalebone stays, and tight lacings so fashionable in the 1880's came under attack in progressive circles as criminal in their manipulation and obstruction of female movement and breathing.” (Chadwick, 254) The ideal female body was reconstructed to a more realistic model. This shift was essential as it gave women increased autonomy on what was acceptable for them to wear and also allowed them to create an individual identity through clothing.

During the 1950's and 60's, post-modernism turns this upside down. Post-modernism goes again multiple norms and conventions established during Modernism. More questions where asked, then answers could be provided. Most notably, the question of what art is could no longer be explained by simply listing paintings and sculptures. During Post-modernism, anything could be considered art. Posters, billboards, photographs, objects displayed a certain way, there where no bounds. The notion of high and low arts disappeared and all forms of art became equally valid. It furthermore was no longer exclusive for intellectuals, but rather for anyone and all arts in general became more ironic, sarcastic and experimental. 

The Guerilla Girls are a group of prominent Post-modernist artist. Formed in 1985, their main goal is to fight gender and racial inequality within art community, which later expanded to also included greater art community, encompassing film and popular culture. The groups members wear gorilla masks in order so hide their identity, which should steer the focus away from the artist, and focus the spotlight on the art itself. The Guerilla Girls often use posters in order to point out the inequality between men and women within the art community. 

Poster by the Guerilla Girls

Poster by the Guerilla Girls

Poster by the Guerilla Girls

Barbara Kruger is another Post-modernist artist, who has a very unique style. She uses photographs, with addition of text, to point out flawed social norms and ideals that society has come to accept. Especially notions of “beauty” come into question. In this photograph, she displays the photograph of the head of a classical female sculptor, considered to be beautiful. Additionally, the adds the text “Your gaze hits the side of my face”, in order to call out the male gaze that has objectified and demeaned women within art for centuries. Furthermore, the piece of art is unnamed, which was not uncommon during the period of Post-modernism. This gives the spectator more freedom in interpreting the picture and takes focus away from the artist, and towards the art.

Works Cited

Chadwick, Whitney. Women, Art, and Society. Thames & Hudson, 2007.

Guerrilla Girls, The Guerrilla Girls’ Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art. New York, NY: Penguin Group, 1998.