OUGD401: Modernism

What is Modernism?

In design, it was agreed that designs should not be illusionary or create false impressions. Modernists embraced new technologies. Also, design initiative had to allow for the mass production of goods – thus, simple forms were preferred over complex ones. The idea that design was functional was of prime importance, a key idea being “Form Follows Function”.

 The shift away from ornate decoration was politically inspired as fancy decoration and ornamentation was equated with the bourgeoisie and decadent frippery. Modernist philosophies embraced the idea of change for the better which fell into place after World War 1 (1914-1918). 
 The feeling therefore in the 1920’s was one of optimism and that modernism would direct the way towards a progressive society. 

For the modernist, it was an appealing idea that a design/artwork would be instantly recognisable to an international audience. Part of this internationalist tendency derived from the post WW1 attitude towards the need to bring countries together. There was a belief held amongst modernists that design and art could change the way people think. 

Modernism was adopted almost as a religion. It constituted a set of beliefs, which sat within a context where people felt they were living in a ‘new age’. The term ‘Zeitgeist’ refers to this feeling of “the Spirit of the Age”.

How western parts of the world became "modern":

Before modernisation the western countries and the world overall was governed by the church, monarchy/aristocracy and a patriarchy. These dominated and meant that only certain things were allowed which influenced art and design too. 

Modernism began through a shift in the way of thinking, an interest in science and an overall progressive outlook encouraged change. Included within this was the industrial revolution:

The enlightenment questions the power of religion and traditional forms of power. Modernism allowed for a democratisation of power especially in terms of art and design, they were allowed to create what they wanted rather than following those in power and following those traditional ideologies. 

Even though this painting shows a progression in certain views based on power, it still shows than women are oppressed by patriarchy, the lady pictured in the centre isn't covered like the rest of the people in the painting.

The revolt of power and revolution (especially in France) was highly important in the change and ideas with Modernism. This means that what is happening socially and culturally affects how art and design also changes. 

The introduction to new technologies such as photography also influenced the change within art:

"Two ways of life" links to the idea of what is the dominant way of life (religion, working hard) and what seems to be a new way of life and challenging the ideals and the beginnings of an acceptance of the naked body. 

Even though Monet's paintings are incredibly well known now, at the time the abstraction of the painting confused artists and audiences highly and it wasn't well received. This is part of the idea of Modernism as the changes in ideals and views in society also mean that artists question what art and design is and what it could be. 

These painting which work as a set show the opposite sides of society, the working class and the upper class. Traditionally only the upper class would of been painted as the origins of art was formed through wealth and classes, it was created for the wealthy by the wealthy. So for art to contain working class would be highly shocking and different. It also seems to comment on the social and cultural changes within art as it seems to be commenting on the ordinary instead of just the upper classes. 

Picasso was highly influential within art in terms of cubism and abstraction, this style of art questions the traditional forms of painting and what actually is art and design. 

Another example of this would be within architecture: 

These building in particular were created to be mainly for their function rather than their form, which results in clean cut lines rather than the traditional styles of housing which were aesthetically pleasing through shape and decoration. However the size and price of these buildings were not functional for ordinary people which perhaps doesn't follow its initial purpose. 

The Bauhaus as mentioned before in previous lectures was highly influential within Graphic Design due to the idea of how form follows function, these rules are still applied to Graphic Design because the works function tends to be the most important.