Modernism

Movements in Modern Art

by Charles Harrison

What is modernism? The term is used generally to convey a faith in progress and a healthy skepticism for received ideas and traditional values. More specifically, the modernist tendency has often been associated with the most vital developments and highest achievements in the art of the past 150 years. However, those concerned with maintaining traditional values in one form or another see "modernist" art as merely one alternative among many, and perhaps even an empty or misguided one. This introduction looks at modernist works in order to consider what are the defining characteristics of modernism, and also explores the critical terms in which this art has been represented.

Genres: Art, Art History

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Charles Townsend Harrison, BA Hons (Cantab), MA (Cantab), PhD (London) was a prominent UK art historian who taught Art History for many years and was Emeritus Professor of History and Theory of Art at the Open University.

He was tutor in Art History, Open University, 1977-2005, Reader in Art History 1985-1994, Professor of the History & Theory of Art, 1994-2008, Professor Emeritus, 2008-2009; Visiting Professor, University of Chicago 1991 and 1996, Visiting Professor, University of Texas, 1997.

Reviews

[Bandit · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my quest to educate myself on the subject of art history, this seemed like the book to read. Alas, its exceptionally dense academese narration maybe it a very difficult read. I enjoyed the art inserts, but they were barely talked off. Instead it was pure and somewhat mind numbing theory, although on the positive note I did learn about modernism. I do wish there were more accessible ways of doing so, something between art for dummies and this type of book.

[Jez · Rating 5 out of 5]

purrr. This whole series is amazing.

[m. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's about Greenberg modernism, not radical-manifesto modernism. An important distinction to those of us who are giant nerds.

[Hanna Pastushenko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing special:(