What is modernism best defined as a?

Modernism is best defined as a broad artistic, cultural, and intellectual movement that arose in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break with traditional values and a search for new forms of expression.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects of modernism:

Key Characteristics:

* Rejection of Traditional Forms: Modernists challenged traditional norms in art, literature, music, architecture, and philosophy, seeking new ways to express their ideas.

* Focus on the Individual: Modernism emphasized individual experience and subjectivity, often exploring themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

* Emphasis on Form and Structure: Modernists experimented with new forms and structures, challenging traditional conventions in literature, art, and music.

* Exploration of the Unconscious: The influence of psychoanalysis and the exploration of the unconscious mind played a significant role in modernist art and literature.

* Technological Advancements: Modernism was influenced by technological advancements, such as the rise of photography, cinema, and automobiles, which impacted how artists perceived the world.

Examples of Modernism:

* Literature: James Joyce's *Ulysses*, Virginia Woolf's *Mrs. Dalloway*, T.S. Eliot's *The Waste Land*

* Art: Pablo Picasso's cubist paintings, Wassily Kandinsky's abstract works, Marcel Duchamp's readymades.

* Music: Igor Stravinsky's *The Rite of Spring*, Arnold Schoenberg's atonal compositions.

* Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye.

Modernism as a Movement:

Modernism was not a monolithic movement, but rather a diverse and multifaceted phenomenon with various interpretations and approaches. It continues to influence contemporary art and culture, inspiring new ways of thinking and creating.