Modernism was a broad and influential art movement that existed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At its core, modernism was a rejection of traditional approaches to art, embracing innovation and experimentation instead. This movement sought to break free from traditions and create something entirely new and avant-garde.

One of the key features of modernism was its emphasis on breaking with the past. Artists sought to move away from romanticism and instead focus on the present moment. This led to a focus on the raw emotions and experiences of modern life, which were often characterized by emotional turmoil.

Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque are often credited with founding the Geometric movement, a key art movement of modernism. Cubism sought to redefine objects into geometric shapes, abandoning traditional techniques of perspective and representation. This allowed artists to create multiple viewpoints and emphasize the underlying structure of the object.

Another influential art movement of modernism was Futurism. Founded by Umberto Boccioni and Mary Cassatt in Spain, Futurism celebrated the dynamism of modern life. Futurist artists sought to capture the speed and frivolity of city life through their work, often depicting fragmented forms and multiple perspectives.

Modernist artists were also influenced by the rise of urban growth. Many artists saw the city as a place of opportunity, where individuals could lose themselves in liberty and reinvent themselves. This led to an emphasis on the individual experience and the search for personal identity.

The impact of modernism on art and culture was significant. It paved the way for a wide range of innovative movements, from Abstract Expressionism to Cubism. Modernism also led to a shift in the way artists saw themselves and their role in society. No longer seen as traditional artists, modernist artists were now recognized as pioneers.

However, modernism was not without its objections. Many saw it as inaccessible, a rejection of traditional values and a focus on free expression. Despite these complaints, modernism remains one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century, shaping the course of art history and continuing to inspire artists today.

The legacy of modernism can be seen in a wide range of artistic expressions, from sculpture to film. It influenced the rise of Abstract Expressionism in the 1940s and 1950s, painting competition and paved the way for the artistic movement of the 1960s. Modernism also had a profound impact on urban design, influencing the development of futuristic architecture.