- What's the difference between Modern and Postmodern Art?
- July 31, 2020


by Virtosu Art Gallery
July 31, 2020What's the difference between Modern and Postmodern Art?
Description of Modern Art
The era of Modern Art was a period during which people had to follow a different set of rules to be called artists. Yes, art was a lot different from what it is today. The period was tough and influenced by all the wars of the 18th and 18th century, including the severe financial condition in Europe. During this period, people were of the mindset that art is only meant for men. The art of this period was also goal-oriented, and there was no attention given to the main aim of the whole process. However, there were distinct styles in the art piece as each artist tried to distinguish themselves. The modernization era was characterized by numerous changes to the human way of living. These changes caused people to live differently in the postmodern period. Therefore, any form of art that was developed during this period was referred to as modern art. During this period, famous artists include Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, Marcel Duchamp, and so on. Many art historians consider Edouard Manet the first modern artist because he was drawing scenes of modern life. Still, he refused to mimic reality by following a set of perspective tricks. Instead, he concentrated on the fact that he was simply doing his work on a flat canvas with a paintbrush. At first, his work was a shock to many experts, audience, and critics. However, Manet inspired fellow artists and other generations of artists to try out different means of drawing more attention to their medium. Modern art comprises movements, namely: Cubism, Impressionism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism.
Description of Postmodern Art
Unlike the era before it, Postmodern art describes a form of art in which people are free to express themselves. This period is characterized by the freedom to do art without influence from politics or other factors. This era was started when the Americans introduced different varieties of already existing modern art. There was the introduction of new types of arts such as pop art, which changed the mindset of people to usher in a new period and create a new mindset. Due to advancements in technology and mechanical upgrades, it was hard to contain art in its previous form and led to numerous changes that introduced a new form. These advancements introduced new styles and turned the world into a global village. This type of art united different parts of the world and picked up little things for everyone. There's no specific theme for the art of the period. This era was one during which people felt the need to question the chronicles of the past. They could make desired changes to different types of art. Many people began to treat art as a way of expressing themselves, and it was no longer goal-oriented. There was also a change in the mindset that art was only for men. Slowly, female artists started to become popular. Feminist works and the work of minorities began to gain a lot of attention. Artists of the postmodern era include Justin Michael Jenkins, Robert Rauschenberg, Johanna Drucker, Aydin Aghdashloo, Robert Breer, Cleeve Horn, Ricky Swallow, William Powhida, Jose Bernal, Stieg Persson, and so on.

About author
Gabe Nelson is a content specialist of over 7 years of experience, currently working with macfineart.com. Just out of high school he set off crab fishing on the Bering sea in Alaska. From there he went back home to finish his college degree at the University of Montana. He has written hundreds of content pieces in numerous niches. Currently, he lives in Missouri with his wife and kids.