Edward Hopper's, Automat, reflects on the loneliness and despair which followed World War I. The painting shows a flapper in an empty cafe.
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Modernism* in ArtOnce again, the Great War impacted many aspects of life, including how people approached art. Though people can read and hear about war challenges and statistics, nothing can portray the emotion of war the way a picture or piece of great art can. Before the war, art was mostly happy-looking, and incorporated bright colors and concepts to show the Victorian era as forward-moving. But as the war came and changed the lives of many Americans, artists too changed how they paint and the composition of their artwork as a whole. In the 1920s, artists began to paint in darker tones and shades, proving the downfall in human potential, progress and happiness.
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Modernism was a big stretch from previous artistic styles, which took on a more traditional style. Though some artists stuck to realistic art, others saw the time period as an opportunity to explore different realms of art like abstract ways for example.
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In 1913, people were exposed to new art at New York's 69th Infantry Regimental Armory. As an open event, both artists and streetwalkers were allowed to view and interpret these pieces of modernist art as they please. Though many artists were fascinated, President Theodore Roosevelt described the art as "lunatic fringe". However, his words didn't stop the following creative minds from being inspired:
*See slideshow of each artist's work to the left.
"BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER." |
The Lost Generation in LiteratureAuthors too began to branch off from the positivity of the previous Victorian era. They began writing about the truth of civilization and the truth of life during the time. These authors were classified as the Lost Generation, as they abandoned their faith in Victorian ways. These writers included:
These "truthful" authors found clever ways to put a unique spin real life events. For example, novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about the American dream from alternating perspectives in his various books. In one book, he looked at wealth and success in a fulfilling way, whereas in another, he turned the same American dream into a nightmare.
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On the other hand, Ernest Hemingway had his own spin on events. By utilizing his sharp tongue, Hemingway caught the attention of many readers as he described the American dream and World War I. Through brutal honesty and blunt sentences, this author crafted eye-opening pieces of great literature during the 1920s.
One final author and playwright had a more interactive approach towards the art of writing during this time. Eugene O’Neill encouraged people to join him on stage to speak direct thoughts to the audience; provoking current-day feelings a personal level. Overall the 1920’s proved to be a realistic and remarkably different time for artists of all kinds. Both authors and painters paved their own paths towards emphasizing current and relevant events in their own artistic ways. There was no right or wrong way for an artist to demonstrate their feelings, and the American society as a whole began to appreciate each artist's individualism and how they helped to portray America in a visual way. The art, literature and the rising artists and authors during the 1920s helped form how Americans write and paint to this day. |