Contribution of Artists to Modernism

The definition of artistic practice is known as the way an artist goes about doing his/her work, it can include influences, ideas, materials, tools, techniques and skills. An artists influences, intentions and choices may be shaped by the innovations of other artists, for example, if the artists feel the same way about political, social and cultural issues. Concepts are usually reused but shown in different ways. Chosen artists that display this theory and have affected the development of modern art in particular are, Edouard Manet, Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. Manet (b.1832-1883) focused on light and shadow, rebelling against the idea of ‘ideal art’ created by the academies. Cezanne (b.1839-1906) was interested in the simplification of naturally occurring forms to their geometric essentials; he did this through his ‘still life paintings’ and further inspired the cubist movement. Picasso (b.1881-1973) focused on cubism, showing the art world that humans don’t always have to be aesthetically pleasing (women in particular). Lastly, Duchamp (b.1887-1968) started the phase of ‘ready made’ art proving that you don’t need to make something in order for it to be classified as art. Modernism encompassed the most intensive period of change in art history, the industrial revolution (1880’s). It did this by focusing on the transformation of atmosphere in regards to machinery (humans becoming redundant), agricultural processes and the manufacturing industry. Modernists did this to capture the moment in history, show others what their personal views were and describe how it was affecting society.
Manet was part of the impressionist movement and wanted to rebel from the traditional notions of art, administered by the French Academies. He broke several rules and shocked the public, especially with his artwork ‘Luncheon on the Grass’ (1863), in which he captures a fully nude woman shown in a completely new way. The woman pictured was not a goddess or Harem