Modernism to Postmodernism in Fashion and Design Essay

Modernism to Postmodernism in Fashion and Design - Essay Example The essay "Modernism to Postmodernism in Fashion and Design" states modernism, postmodernism and its relation to fashion and design. In the 1930s, a great deal of the art being produced throughout Western Europe was typically classified as Modern art, although it was then further divided into several different subcategories such as Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Surrealism and Abstract art. The characteristic feature of most of these art forms was that they sought to pursue the ideas behind the art rather than seeking to portray a life-like rendition of the subject matter. They also broke the rules of art, which had, until this time period, conformed to specific rules of creation and was always created within a studio where all elements could be controlled. The movement began with Impressionism, which focused on the effect of light on objects and typically portrayed scenes such as landscapes and daily life. Recognizable works from this genre include tho se of Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas and Pierre Auguste Renoir. Manet’s painting, Dejeuner sur l'herbe, created in 1863, is roughly considered to be the start of the Impressionist, and therefore the Modern, movement. Fauvism represented a wilder side of Impressionism in its use of strong, vivid colors and simplified designs in expressive, meaningful ways. Artists in this movement were Henri Matisse, Andre Derain and Maurice de Vlaminch. The Expressionist movement, existing as the step-sister to Fauvism.