by Erich
Status: 07.27.2024
The modern era of art
Key facts in brief
- Modern art refers to the art-historical period from the late 19th to the mid-20th century. It emerged as a reaction to social changes such as industrialisation and scientific progress. Artists developed new forms of expression and broke with academic conventions. Key movements include Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism and Surrealism, shaped by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Marcel Duchamp.
- In this article, you’ll find an accessible introduction to the key styles of modern art and learn how their ideas, themes and artistic experiments have evolved.
- This overview is particularly helpful for art enthusiasts and beginners who wish to better contextualise modern art or gain a quicker understanding of well-known artists and movements.
- As a next step, you can compare the art movements presented here and look specifically for typical characteristics such as subjective expression, experimental forms or new materials.
‘Modern art’ is a term familiar to many, and yet many people do not actually know exactly what ‘modern art’ is. In this article, we’ll try to highlight a few facts and artists associated with modern art and help you understand the term better. What sometimes seems so inscrutable can often be defined more easily than one might think. We’ll take a close look at modern art movements and styles and try to answer the question: What is modern art?
Modern art emerged in the late 19th century. From around the 1860s onwards, the period is referred to as the era of modern art, which spanned right up to the mid-20th century. Various styles are associated with modern art, including Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism and Surrealism. These various movements sought to break away from traditional artistic conventions and to find new ways of working and new forms of expression.
But why was it necessary to invent the modern art movement, which broke with earlier artistic practices? The modern art movement was initially a reaction to various social issues. Art and culture are often a reflection of society and the spirit of the times, so it was no surprise that this modern era of art emerged.
So what was modern art responding to? The 19th century saw many technological changes, for example as a result of the Industrial Revolution. The economy, society and people’s way of life were changing. Science was advancing, bringing new discoveries and technologies.
The artists took these changes on board, sought to reflect them in their works, and became more daring. Experimentation with materials and painting techniques became more popular. As a result of this upheaval, many of the artists also felt a strong rejection of academic norms. Artistic studies were heavily influenced by rules and conventions. The artists wanted to look behind the facades – or tear them down entirely. New forms of expression were needed, and a whole new discourse emerged, far removed from academic traditions. This also gave rise to a certain subjectivity. Suddenly, the focus was on one’s own emotions and one’s place in the world. The artists’ perspectives took centre stage, and they were no longer the invisible creators behind the work. Social movements such as the French Revolution became sources of inspiration; artists sought to denounce injustices and highlight political issues through modern art.
Modern art or contemporary art?
The term ‘modern art’ is often contemporary art confused. Why is this, and what exactly is the difference? Quite simply: Modern art refers to a historical period, whilst contemporary art is the term used to describe the current art scene. Contemporary, therefore, refers to what is happening right now. Modern art refers primarily to works of art created between the 1860s and the 1970s. Contemporary art is characterised above all by the wide variety of styles, subjects and media employed. Interdisciplinary approaches and socio-political issues recur frequently within it.
Modern and Contemporary Art at SKM
The Studenten Kunstmarkt also sees itself as a contemporary platform showcasing a great deal of modern art. Here, various young contemporary and modern artists are given the opportunity to exhibit their work, regardless of the medium. In addition to painting there are also many sculptural elements as well as photography and still life are represented. The website offers buyers an overview of contemporary artists and modern art in Germany. Do feel free to take a look at our Artists of the Month or the article: Contemporary Artists.
Eunjeong Kim / Artist of the Month for January 2024 at the Student Art Market
Modern art movements
With so many different art movements, it’s easy to lose track of them all. That’s why here’s a brief overview of the various styles of modern art and what defines them.
Expressionism displays a powerful and emotional expressiveness, based on subjective perception and feelings.
Impressionism, on the other hand, focuses less on expression and more on light and colour, often applied in a loose manner.
Cubism draws heavily on geometric forms and makes use of different perspectives.
Futurism – as the name suggests – is centred on new technologies, lifestyles and high speed.
The so-called Dadaism was a reaction to the First World War and caused a stir with its provocations and anti-art stance.&
The exploration of the subconscious and dreams goes hand in hand with Surrealism.
Pop Art draws inspiration from mass culture and advertising. It is a critical engagement with capitalism.
Minimalism reduces art to the ‘essential’, whilst digital art of the modern era seeks technology as its primary medium.
Although there are certain ways to distinguish between these art movements, they can often overlap or influence one another. Therefore, a clear distinction is not always possible – and perhaps not even necessary.
The modern era of art
Modern art was not universally appreciated. Within the mainstream, it was often viewed critically and not necessarily welcomed with open arms. It reached a particular low point during the Nazi era. The ‘Degenerate Art’ exhibition, which opened in 1937, showcased contemporary art that the Nazis considered to be degenerate. Even today, modern art is rejected in some circles, with a preference for a more classical or antiquated conception of art. Nevertheless, modern art has now entered the mainstream and is held in high regard there.
Modern art, artists and … female artists!
There were many artists who shaped the modern era. The modern abstract art of Pablo Picasso, or the modern art paintings by Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Jackson Pollock … These are all big names that most people are familiar with, particularly their modern artistic styles. As is so often the case in art history, there are fewer female names here, but that by no means implies that they are any less relevant.
Two pioneering women in modern art
For example, Georgia O’Keeffe, a painter who became renowned for her large-scale, modern artworks and landscapes, which had a decisive influence on modernism in America. Or Kara Walker, a modern art artist who ranks among the most outstanding female artists in contemporary art and, in particular, is the best-known Black artist in contemporary art. She is known for her works that explore themes such as gender and racism. At first glance, her works appear almost fairy-tale-like, but on closer inspection they reveal themselves to be a profound exploration of complex themes. Her best-known work is a tableau of black paper cut-outs that narratively explores the history of slavery and internalised racism. Using seemingly simple means, she succeeds in making a powerful impression on viewers.
Modern Art by Students
The Student Art Market has set itself the aim of actively supporting emerging artists and giving them access to the world of contemporary and modern art. Art students can register on the platform and make their voices heard in the art scene from a young age. In doing so, they learn how to manage their works and present themselves. Initial contacts with the art world and potential buyers are established. The platform also offers an excellent entry point for art lovers interested in acquiring a piece or two.
The ‘Artist of the Month’ award highlights students who are currently selling particularly well or are in high demand. Through short biographies and interviews with the award winners, visitors gain insights into the artists’ backgrounds. Some of these young talents have already gained international recognition, are featured at exhibitions and art fairs, and have a clear vision for their work. The Student Art Market supports these talented young people and aims to introduce them to the art world and to all art enthusiasts. On the website, you can discover all the contemporary artists and filter your search by genre or art college.
Be sure to visit the Student Art Market blog, where you can find interviews with the ‘Students of the Month’ as well as useful tips on buying and investing in art. Contemporary art offers a wide range of diverse artists, some of whom are already on the road to success. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of modern art and be inspired by everything you encounter. After all, art is diverse, and personal taste often determines what appeals to you most – be it painting or performance art. Contemporary and modern art has something for everyone!
Frequently asked questions about modern art
Moderne Kunst bezeichnet eine kunsthistorische Epoche, die sich bewusst von traditionellen Darstellungsformen löst und neue Ausdrucksweisen entwickelt. Sie entstand als Reaktion auf gesellschaftliche, technische und politische Umbrüche und stellt häufig das individuelle Empfinden der Künstler*innen in den Mittelpunkt. Typisch für moderne Kunst sind Experimente mit Form, Farbe, Perspektive und Material. Bekannte Strömungen der modernen Kunst sind etwa Impressionismus, Expressionismus, Kubismus oder Surrealismus.
Die Epoche der modernen Kunst begann etwa Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts und dauerte bis in die Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts. Als Ausgangspunkt gilt häufig der Impressionismus um 1870, während das Ende der Moderne meist nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg angesetzt wird. Danach spricht man in der Regel von zeitgenössischer Kunst oder Postmoderne. Die genaue zeitliche Einordnung kann je nach kunsthistorischer Definition leicht variieren.
Moderne Kunst wird auch als „Klassische Moderne“ bezeichnet, insbesondere wenn von den bedeutenden avantgardistischen Strömungen zwischen 1900 und 1945 die Rede ist. International ist der Begriff „Modern Art“ gebräuchlich. Wichtig ist die Abgrenzung zur „zeitgenössischen Kunst“, die die Kunst ab der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts bis heute beschreibt. Moderne Kunst umfasst also klar definierte historische Stilrichtungen innerhalb der Kunstgeschichte.
Eunjeong Kim / Artist of the Month for January 2024 at the Student Art Market
Frequently Asked Questions
Studierenden Kunstmarkt is the leading platform for student art in the German-speaking world. It enables art enthusiasts and art lovers to buy artworks directly from art students, thereby providing them with financial support whilst they are studying.
Studierenden Kunstmarkt was founded in 2020 by Erich Reich and his brother. Erich is still the managing director of Studierenden Kunstmarkt and, together with his team, has succeeded in creating a platform that brings together art lovers, those interested in art and art students. To this day, Studierenden Kunstmarkt is entirely self-funded and has not received any external funding from investors.
At any given time, there are several hundred art students and several thousand works of art on the Student Art Market. A good place to start if you’re looking for an initial overview of the artists is the ‘Artists of the Month’ section.
Just like normal galleries, Studierenden Kunstmarkt receives a commission on each artwork sold. This funds the running of the platform, its maintenance and the salaries of Studierenden Kunstmarkt’s staff. In addition, we support the students, are on hand to advise on any queries, and run free advertising for them on Instagram, Facebook, Google and in our email newsletter, which has several thousand art lovers as subscribers.
There are many ways you can start investing in young artists on the student art market. One option is to sign up for our free email course, ‘Become an Art Expert in 7 Days’. In it, we’ll share a few basics with you, as well as some of our insider tips on which artists have particular potential. Find out more
Take a look at our most popular artists at the Student Art Market
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