Modernism
Time period: 20th century
Key characteristics/ conventions :
The basic concept of modernism is the rejection of older movements such as classicism in favor of a more modern ideal. This was done through many different styles of photograph, namely: Abstract, dadaism, surrealism and also social reform photography which evenually lead to photojournalism.
Modernism is characterized by the belief that truth could be established through the use of new concepts such as science and technology, which become very apparent in the examples shown in the mood board. This movement recognized that the world was changing and that art had to reflect new ideas and challenges that came with modern life.
Artists associated:
Social reform photography:
- Walker Evans
- Alfred Stieglitz
Dadaism:
- Francis Picabia
- Johannes Baader
Surrealism:
- Rene Magritte
- Salvatore Dali
Methods/ techniques/ processes:
- Photo montages integrated multi mediums which was a big technological advance
- some photographers such as Ansel Adams used methods such as photographing areas at different times and through different seasons, exploring changing patterns and light intensity
- Light sensitive paper was also used in abstract art, which light rays were directed onto
- Multiple exposure
- solarization, which was when tones were reversed in an image
Post-Modernism
Time period: 1960s/70s
Key characteristics/ conventions :
Post-modernism was a movement in which the concept of modernism discussed above was shattered. Most art under this theme refers to things outside of the art world like social and cultural issues, meaning that it recognizes the value of context in images.
Postmodernists are and were known for skepticism and they also realized that work could be subjective. Postmodernists takes things such as text and insist it is assessed critically in order to help understand meaning.
Unlike modernists, postmodernists don’t value art for being universal. Instead they pride themselves on their work being imperfect and temporary.
Artists associated:
Corinne day: was a British female photographer was a post-modern photographer who had a profound influence in the subject matter of this type of photography. She, along with other photographers, helped new aspects of the social and private life of women to be brought out into the open.