The period of modernism (roughly 1850 to 1970) was a time in which the world underwent significant transformations. The term “modern” is used in a variety of ways, however, modernism’s connection to art has certain traits and associations such as the rejection of tradition and an emphasis on innovation and experimentation in materials, subject matter, and techniques. The common understanding of modern art history centers on a canon of “great” artists, such as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, that overlooks the vast amount of works created during this period. This exhibition asks viewers to shift their focus, in order to gain a more complex understanding of modern art as shaped by a variety of producers from around the world. Organized around four key themes – urban culture, experimentation, conflict, and innovation – we invite viewers to consider how these works contributed to the ongoing and multifaceted project that is modern art.
This virtual exhibition was created by students enrolled in “Modern Art” at Millsaps College taught by Faculty Teaching Fellow Erin L. McCutcheon in Fall 2017.
All images are used for educational purposes only.
Header: Fahrelnissa Zeid (Turkish), Resolved Problems (detail), 1948, Oil on canvas
Shifting Focus 