Summary

In the first decade of the 20th century an attempt to create a new art was made using 19th century sources. Through modernity, art movements changed. One of the main supports of this new art had been the concept of 'expression' Avante-garde artists drew a kind of natural force but under urban circumstances. The development of art before the first world was was gradual whereas post WW1 it was stronger and more dominant. Modernism refers to the growing impact of the machine, the railroad was invented, this was affecting the social side too, people were split into two, the rich and poor. Even so the population was increasing. Expressionism and futurism are both evidently forms of response to the circumstances of urban modernity. This was viewed both positively and negatively. The situation with cubism is different, it is a hermetic art. The still life and the single portrait figure. Modern art of the 19th century was to become the condition of modern art of the 20th century.

Harrison, C. and Wood, P (1997) 'Art in Theory: 1900-1990', Oxford, Blackwell p 125-129