Modernism! Part 1 G10-18-19

Modernism Basic Definition: Modernism was a philosophical and artistic movement of the early 20th century “To be in love with what is new and provocative. [...] fought against traditions of all kinds” Modernism is the cultural, intellectual, and aesthetic response to the condition of modernity.

A note about “time” Modernism = 1900’s - 1970ish? 2019ish?? Heavily influenced by the wars, so why talk about it now? Establish the beginnings/Themes Apply to literature (Metamorphosis - 1915) WWI really kicked it off in force Look at how WWI shaped Modernism

Major Causes for a “Movement” Structural Change (Technology/Environment) Rapid social change Breakdown of traditional roles Experimentation with new forms ART! Expression!

Major Causes for a “Movement” Industrialization (gosh, does it affect everything? Yes...) social change = cities, family structure Breakdown of traditional roles Experimentation with new forms

Revolutionary thought that influenced modernism Which psychologist’s theories caused a revolution in thought in the 1800s? Freud: humans are not in control of their base instincts and desires; Challenges the idea that humans are rational We are driven by 1) a desire to not die and 2) a desire to reproduce.

Revolutionary thought that influenced modernism Which biologist’s theories caused a revolution in thought in the 1800s? Darwin: Living beings evolved based on natural selection Humans are not special; we are animals that Challenges the previously-accepted idea of divine creation/designer Challenges the idea that different “races” are fundamentally different (they aren’t) Note: “Social Darwinism” is not really Darwinism

Revolutionary thought that influenced modernism Which economist’s theories caused a revolution in thought in the 1800s? Marx: Humans suffer and struggle due to class conflict. Rejects the idea that the current economic organization of the world as set in stone Challenges the belief that those in power/those with money necessarily deserve to be in power or worked hard to earn their money

Revolutionary thought What do these concepts have in common? What do these concepts challenge? They challenge the commonly-held beliefs about the hierarchies of the world. They challenge ideas of who is in control and why: Marx – bourgeoisie over proletariat Darwin – Humans over animals; God over humanity; Whites over non-whites Freud – Humans over their own minds These thoughts strongly influenced the Modern movement, as people reacted to and recovered from WWI and started looking for answers. The traditional meaning of life has been called into question. The reaction that we call “Modernism” sought to tear down traditional, long-held beliefs and build again from the rubble.

Modernism - Artistic Expression Modernism portrayed the world of men as a harsh, hostile environment in which life had lost its meaning and men and women were isolated from each other, struggling to survive alone. This world is one in which our dreams are unrealistic and futile.

If everything we know is a lie… …if the people in power can set up insane alliances that ask me and my brothers to die in pain and agony, that ask our families to suffer grief and sacrifice for war… …if I’m expected to work my fingers to the bone in a factory for a foreman who doesn’t care if I die right at my workstation, unless I bleed on the merchandise… …if new scientific thought challenges what we thought about God and creation… …if my worth is measured based on my factory output or my ability to take a bullet from a machine gun… …what is the meaning of life? What is the point? What do we do????

So…Modernism is super bleak and depressing? …Yes! BUT! It’s also liberating. With the recognition that the old rules are breaking down, modernists sought to make new meaning and worry less about breaking the rules. So although Modernism is often bleak and depressing, it’s also full of joy and newness and experimentation.

Make it New! From Modernism: The Lure of Heresy: “In short, modernists considered Ezra Pound’s famous injunction, ‘Make It New!,’ a professional, almost a sacred obligation.” Let’s throw all the rules out the window. The cultures and traditions of the past are obsolete, so why should we stick with them? Let’s blend cultural styles. Let’s invent new rules for ourselves, and break those too. Let’s forget what we know and make it new.

Modernism in other arts Music: Twelve tone technique Arnold Schoenberg Use all 12 tones without repeating How is this technique a break from tradition? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Har_7-S3Cgc

Modernism in other arts Pointilism; Divisionism Georges Seurat

Modernism in other arts Art: Divisionism / Pointilism How is this technique a break from tradition?

Modernism in other arts Cubism Pablo Picasso How is this technique a break from tradition?

Modernism in other arts Dance: Modern Dance Isadora Duncan How is this technique a break from tradition? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcqzmFl0DhI