Treasure Hunts

Modernism
Introduction

The era in art that extends from the late nineteenth century until the middle of the twentieth century is called Modernism. The political, social, and economic forces of this period generated tremendous change and upheaval throughout the Western world. This change is revealed throughout the fine arts of this period. Through a comparative examination of the arts (painting, sculpture, and literature) explore how the changes in technology, politics, science, and psychology created the "Modern" person.

Guiding Question

How were the fine arts used to express the ideas, attitudes, and anxieties of the Modern Era?

Questions

1. What is Modernism?
2. What are some of the Modernist elements present in early twentieth century painting?
3. Who are a few of the most important Modernist painters? What are some examples of their work? How do these pieces exemplify Modernism?
4. What is the significance of "alienation" in Modernism?
5. What is the significance of the camera to Modern art?
6. What were the past artistic movements that were influential to Modernism? Why?
7. Who are the great Modernist writers? What are these writers' greatest works? How do these works exemplify the Modern age?
8. What us the impact of psychoanalysis on Modern art?
9. What is the "Lost Generation" and who are some of its most important writers and artists?
10. What is the Cabaret Voltaire and what is its significance to Modernist ideas and art?

Internet Resources

The Roots of Modernism
Painting's Modern Form
Modernist Painting
The Two Faces of Modernism
Modern/Modernism/Modernity
Pictorialism into Modernism: The Clarence H. White School of Photography
Modernism
The Culture of Modernism
Sigmund Freud
Modern Art's First Decades
The Lost Generation
More About the Lost Generation
Perspective
Dadaism
Surrealism

Activities

1. Using specific artists and paintings as evidence, describe two schools of modernist painting (e.g Impressionism, Futurism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, etc.) and describe how the examples/paintings selected are a commentary "Modern Life."
2. Using specific texts (novels, poems, or essays) as evidence research two Modernist writers and describe how their works are a commentary on "Modern" life.
3. Use a piece of fine art (painting or sculpture) and a piece of literature to describe the role of "alienation" in Modernism.
4. Create a timeline sequencing Modernist painting from the 19th century until World War II.
5. Create a "Dada"-like collage using images and text to visually define the major elements of the Modernist movement.

Greg West, Teacher, and Cheuk Leung, AP student, collaborated to develop this web hunt.

HOME