The Modernist Period in the U.S.

Its Effect on America’s Creative Spirit

What Was Occurring in the U.S.?

A greater influence of machines rather than farm work.

Faster travel

Increased wealth of families

Increased need to purchase things

New discoveries & inventions

The U.S. was ready for Modernism!

What Is Modernism?The Modernists Believed . . .

that people must rely on themselves to create meaning in the world.

that there was a dark side to progress because it was destroying traditional ways of life, bringing pollution to the air, and creating dirt and noise in the cities.

that Western civilization was headed for destruction. (World War I & II)

culture and tradition were holding people from progress. Break away from “what has always been”.

What Is Modernism?The Modernists Believed . . .

Traditional forms of writing, music, art needed to be changed. Lots of experimentation with traditional forms.

Symbolism was an important part of the arts. Multiple meanings for the audience.

The arts should be very direct and to the point.

That the order of time and events was not important. Story events did not have to be in chronological order!

That the “new” New York of skyscrapers, bridges, and bustling crowds was a major topic for art & writing.

What Event Got Modernism Rolling in the U.S.?

The 1913 Armory Show in New York City. This was an art show.Marcel Duchamp, a French artist, presented his painting called “Nude Descending a Staircase” which caused a scandal at the show.This painting did not use established rules or forms. Duchamp broke them all!

– Go to the next page and take a look at this “scandalous” painting!

“Nude Descending a Staircase”By Marcel Duchamp 1912

Question #1 - 20 points

Why do you think DuChamp’s “Nude Descending a Staircase” painting created such a scandal (uproar) with people of that time?

Write your answer in the form of a paragraph (4-5 sentences). Be sure to use what you know about modernism to support your ideas. Turn in to Ms. De Frey when you are done.

Topics of Modernist Works

The place of women in society The urban (city) experience. Regionalism (celebration of a part of

the country) and the people of these regions

Alienation – the feeling of “not belonging” Learning about one’s inner life (or

self-awareness)

Modernists Artists: A Collection

Georgia O’Keefe

Painting #1 Painting #2

Stuart Davis

“New York Waterfront”

Painting #3

“Welcome to Our City”

Max Weber

Picture #4

“Lighthouse”

Marsden Hartley

Picture #5

A Modernist Activity . . . (25 pts)

Take a second look at the five modernist paintings.Choose the painting you like the most, and notice the name of the artist. Google the artist and write down 10

pieces of information about this artist. Find information that is

interesting. Turn this in to Ms. de Frey when done.