2. ontent
Introduction to Modernism
• Definition of Modernism
• Historical Context: Late 19th to early
20th centuries
Characteristics of Modernism
Modernist Literature
• Overview of Modernist
• LiteratureExamples of Modernist
Writers
Modernist Art
• Overview of Modernist Art
• Examples of Modernist Artists
Modernist Architecture
• Overview of Modernist Literature
• Examples of Modernist Writers
Influence of modernism
• Influence on Subsequent
Movements
• Impact on Society and Culture
• Legacy of Modernism in the 21st
century
Conclusion
• Influence of Modernism in the field
of Civil Engineering
• Significance of Modernism in
Artistic and Cultural History
3. MODERNISM
• a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late
19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a
departure from traditional forms and conventions
• emphasizes experimentation, abstraction, and an
exploration of individual experiences and consciousness
across various creative disciplines such as literature, art,
architecture, music, and philosophy.
4. HISTORICAL CONTEXT: LATE 19TH TO EARLY 20TH
CENTURIES
Modernism emerged as a cultural and intellectual movement in the late
19th and early 20th centuries, spanning roughly from the 1880s to the
1940s. It was a response to the rapid changes brought about by
industrialization, urbanization, technological advancements, and
psychological and philosophical shifts during this period.
5. INDUSTRIALIZATION: The late 19th century saw rapid industrialization
across Europe and North America. This period brought about
profound changes in manufacturing, transportation, and urbanization,
leading to shifts in social structures and lifestyles. The rise of factories
and mass production challenged traditional artisanal methods and
contributed to a sense of alienation and dislocation.
URBANIZATION: Industrialization led to rapid urbanization as people
moved from rural areas to cities in search of employment
opportunities. This influx of population into urban centers resulted in
overcrowding, poor living conditions, and social inequalities,
prompting concerns about the impact of modern urban life on
individuals and communities.
6. TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT: The period witnessed remarkable
advancements in technology, including the development of electricity,
the telephone, the automobile, and the airplane. These innovations
revolutionized communication, transportation, and industry, accelerating
the pace of change and fostering a sense of optimism about the
possibilities of progress and modernity.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL SHIFTS: Modernism was also influenced by
developments in psychology, philosophy, and the social sciences. The
work of thinkers such as Sigmund Freud, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Karl
Marx challenged conventional notions of identity, consciousness, and
society, paving the way for new ways of understanding the human
experience.
7. CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERNISM
• EXPERIMENTATION AND INNOVATION
• REJECTION OF TRADITION
• INDIVIDUALISM AND SUBJECTIVITY
• EXPLORATION OF INNER CONSIOUSNESS
• EMBRACE OF TECHNOLOGY AND URBANIZATION
• FRAGMENTATION
• ALIENATION AND DISILLUSIONMENT
• FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
• SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CRITIQUE
8. Experimentation and Innovation:
⚬ Modernists pushed the boundaries of traditional forms in
art, literature, and other creative disciplines.
⚬ They embraced unconventional techniques and styles to
explore new avenues of expression.
Rejection of Tradition:
⚬ Modernists challenged established norms and
conventions, seeking to break free from the constraints of
tradition.
⚬ They rejected conventional rules and structures to create
works that were innovative and original.
9. Individualism and Subjectivity:
⚬ Modernist works emphasized the subjective experiences and
perceptions of individuals.
⚬ Artists and writers explored inner thoughts, emotions, and
psychological states, often using techniques like stream of
consciousness.
Exploration of Inner Consciousness:
⚬ Modernism delved into the complexities of human
consciousness, portraying fragmented and nonlinear
narratives.
⚬ Inner turmoil, existential angst, and the search for meaning
were common themes explored in modernist works.
10. Embrace of Technology and Urbanization:
⚬ Modernists reflected the impact of technological advancements
and urbanization on society.
⚬ They depicted the changing landscape of urban life, exploring
themes of alienation, dislocation, and the fast-paced nature of
modern existence.
Fragmentation:
⚬ Modernist works often exhibit fragmentation, where
traditional narrative structures or visual compositions are
disrupted. This fragmentation mirrors the fragmented
nature of modern life and consciousness.
11. Alienation and Disillusionment:
⚬ Modernist works often convey feelings of alienation,
disillusionment, and existential angst. This reflects the sense of
dislocation and uncertainty experienced by many individuals in
the rapidly changing modern world.
Focus on the Present:
⚬ Modernism emphasizes the importance of the present
moment and the immediate experiences of individuals. It
often eschews historical or mythological themes in favor of
depicting contemporary life and concerns.
12. Social and Political Critique:
⚬ Modernist works often contain social and political critique,
reflecting the tumultuous events and ideologies of the time.
Artists and writers grappled with issues such as class
inequality, urbanization, war, and the impact of technology
on society.
13. MODERNIST LITERATURE
Modernist literature emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a
response to the profound social, cultural, and technological changes of the
time. It encompasses a diverse range of works characterized by
experimentation, fragmentation, and a departure from traditional narrative
forms. It reflects the uncertainties and complexities of the modern world
while offering a departure from conventional literary norms. Modernist
writers sought to capture the complexities of modern life, exploring themes
of alienation, existential angst, and the fragmentation of consciousness.
They rejected the conventions of realism and embraced innovative
narrative techniques, such as stream of consciousness and nonlinear
storytelling, to convey the subjective experiences of characters.
14. MODERNIST WRITERS
James Joyce (1882-1941):
• James Joyce's "Ulysses" is renowned for its innovative narrative
techniques, including stream-of-consciousness narration, interior
monologue, and linguistic experimentation. By breaking away from
conventional narrative structures, Joyce captures the fragmented
nature of consciousness and the complexity of modern experience.
• Quote from "Ulysses":
"History, Stephen said, is a nightmare from which I am
trying to awake."
15. MODERNIST WRITERS
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941):
• Virginia Woolf's novels, such as "Mrs. Dalloway“, employ stream-of-
consciousness narration and the use of interior perspectives to explore the
inner lives of her characters. Woolf's experimental approach to narrative form
reflects the modernist emphasis on subjective experience and the exploration
of individual consciousness.
• Quote from "Mrs. Dalloway":
"For most of history, Anonymous was a woman."
16. MODERNIST WRITERS
T.S. Eliot (1888-1965):
• T.S. Eliot's poetry, particularly in "The Waste Land," incorporates a collage-like
structure, juxtaposing fragments of myth, history, literature, and everyday
speech to convey the disorientation and fragmentation of post-World War I
society. Eliot's innovative use of poetic form reflects the modernist
preoccupation with the breakdown of traditional cultural and literary norms.
• Quote from "The Waste Land":
"April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land,
mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain."
17. MODERNIST ART
Modernist art emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a
response to the rapid social, cultural, and technological changes of the
time. It encompasses a wide range of artistic movements and styles
characterized by experimentation, abstraction, and a departure from
traditional forms and techniques. Modernist artists sought to break free
from the constraints of realism and traditional representation, instead
emphasizing subjective experiences, emotions, and inner
consciousness. They explored new ways of seeing and representing
the world, often employing innovative techniques and unconventional
materials to convey their artistic visions.
18. MODERNIST ARTIST
Pablo Picasso:
He sought to depict objects from
multiple viewpoints simultaneously,
breaking them down into geometric
shapes and abstract forms.
Picasso's work challenged
traditional notions of perspective
and representation, contributing to
the development of modernist art.
Dora Maar au Chat
19. MODERNIST ARTIST
Wassily Kandinsky:
He believed in the emotional and
spiritual power of art and sought to
convey inner truths and experiences
through non-representational forms.
Kandinsky's work often featured vibrant
colors, dynamic compositions, and
expressive brushwork, reflecting his
belief in the transcendent potential of
abstract art.
Moscow I (Red Square)
20. MODERNIST ARTIST
Salvador Dalí:
Was known for his eccentric personality
and imaginative works. He explored themes
of dreams, subconscious desires, and the
human psyche in his art. Dalí's work often
featured bizarre and dreamlike imagery,
rendered with meticulous attention to detail.
His paintings challenged conventional
notions of reality and perception,
embodying the spirit of surrealism within the
modernist movement.
The Persistence of
Memory
21. MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE
Modernist architecture is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and
a departure from traditional ornamentation. It prioritized clean lines,
minimalist aesthetics, and the use of new materials like steel, glass,
and concrete. Modernist architects focused on functionality, open floor
plans, and integration with nature, rejecting ornamentation in favor of
simplicity and experimentation. Sustainability and social considerations
were also incorporated into modernist design principles. Overall,
modernist architecture represents a radical departure from tradition,
embracing innovation and reflecting the spirit of the modern age.
22. MODERNIST ARCHITECT
Le Corbusier:
Le Corbusier's work was characterized
by open floor plans, horizontal
windows, and pilotis (supports), as
seen in iconic buildings like Villa
Savoye and the Unité d'Habitation.
23. MODERNIST ARCHITECT
Frank Lloyd Wright:
Wright's designs often featured
horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, and
open floor plans, as exemplified in
iconic structures like Fallingwater and
the Robie House.
24. MODERNIST ARCHITECT
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe:
Mies van der Rohe's designs
emphasized open spaces, industrial
materials like glass and steel, and a
minimalist aesthetic, as seen in iconic
buildings such as the Barcelona
Pavilion and the Seagram Building.
25. INFLUENCE OF MODERNISM
INFLUENCE ON SUBSEQUENT MOVEMENTS:
Postmodernism: Emerging in the mid-20th century, postmodernism was a
reaction against the perceived limitations of modernism. It challenged the idea of
a singular, universal truth and embraced pluralism, fragmentation, and pastiche in
art, architecture, and culture.
Minimalism: Building upon the minimalist principles of modernism, minimalism
emerged in the 1960s as an art movement characterized by simplicity, geometric
forms, and a focus on the essential elements of form, color, and material.
Neo-expressionism: In the late 20th century, neo-expressionism emerged as a
reaction against the formalism and abstraction of modernism. It revived
expressive, figurative painting styles with bold colors and gestural brushwork.
26. INFLUENCE OF MODERNISM
INFLUENCE ON SUBSEQUENT MOVEMENTS:
Deconstructivism: Influenced by the fragmentation and deconstructionist
theories of postmodernism, deconstructivism emerged in architecture in the late
20th century. It is characterized by unconventional forms, skewed angles, and
fragmented geometries that challenge traditional architectural conventions.
Digital and Media Art: With the advent of digital technology and the internet in
the late 20th century, artists began exploring new forms of expression through
digital media, multimedia installations, and interactive art, influenced by the
experimental spirit of modernism.
27. INFLUENCE OF MODERNISM
INFLUENCE ON SUBSEQUENT MOVEMENTS:
Environmental and Sustainable Design: Responding to environmental
concerns and the principles of functionalism and efficiency in modernist
architecture, contemporary architects have embraced sustainable design
practices that prioritize energy efficiency, natural materials, and environmentally
conscious building techniques.
Contemporary Literature: In literature, modernist techniques such as stream of
consciousness, nonlinear narrative, and subjective storytelling continue to
influence contemporary writers exploring themes of identity, memory, and the
human condition in the 21st century.
28. MODERNISM’S IMPACT ON SOCIETY AND CULTURE
Modernism had a profound impact on society and culture, ushering
in a period of cultural transformation characterized by
experimentation, innovation, and individualism. It coincided with
rapid technological advancements, urbanization, and globalization,
shaping artistic, architectural, and cultural movements around the
world. Modernism challenged traditional norms and values,
embracing diversity, and advocating for social change through art,
literature, and design. Its legacy continues to influence
contemporary culture, fostering creativity, and innovation in the
ever-evolving landscape of art, design, and society.
29. LEGACY OF MODERNISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY
In the 21st century, the legacy of modernism persists across various aspects of
society and culture. Modernist principles of innovation, experimentation, and
individual expression continue to influence architecture, art, literature, design, and
cultural practices. Architects embrace modernist ideas in sustainable design and
technological advancements. Artists draw inspiration from modernist movements,
employing techniques like abstraction and symbolism. Writers continue to
experiment with narrative forms reflecting the complexities of modern life.
Modernist design principles are evident in contemporary design and fashion.
Cultural pluralism and the celebration of diversity remain influential, shaping a
vibrant cultural landscape. Overall, modernism's enduring legacy fosters creativity
and innovation in the contemporary era.
30. SIGNIFICANCE OF MODERNISM IN ARTISTIC AND
CULTURAL HISTORY
Modernism's significance in artistic and cultural history lies
in its revolutionary impact on the way society conceives
and engages with art and culture. It challenged traditional
norms, embraced innovation and experimentation, and
celebrated individual expression, leaving a lasting legacy
that continues to shape contemporary artistic and cultural
practices.
31. INFLUENCE OF MODERNISM IN THE FIELD OF
ENGINEERING
Modernism influenced the field of civil engineering by
promoting functional, efficient, and innovative
approaches to design and construction, which continue
to influence engineering practices today.
32. FUNCTIONALISM: Modernist principles emphasized functionality and
efficiency in design, which influenced civil engineering practices to
focus on creating structures that served their purpose effectively while
minimizing unnecessary ornamentation.
SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE OF MODERNISM IN THE
FIELD OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
33. INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES: Modernism led to the adoption of
new materials and construction techniques, such as reinforced
concrete and steel frames, which revolutionized the way civil engineers
designed and built structures. This allowed for greater flexibility in
design and enabled the construction of taller buildings and longer
spans.
EMPHASIS ON FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION: Modernist architects and engineers
adhered to the principle of “form follows function” prioritizing the
purpose and function of a structure over purely aesthetic
considerations. This approach influenced civil engineering design to
prioritize efficiency, structural integrity, and practicality.
34. INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY: Modernism embraced technological
advancements, and civil engineering benefited from innovations in
structural analysis, computer-aided design (CAD), and construction
techniques. These advancements enabled engineers to design and
construct more complex and efficient structures.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: Modernist principles of
efficiency and innovation laid the groundwork for the integration of
sustainable design practices in civil engineering projects
