Modernism as a movement within art, design and architecture took place in the late 19th and 20th centuries as a reaction to various technological advancements and social upheavals experienced by Western society at that time. Particularly; the Industrial Revolution, which led the concept of mass-production becoming important within Craft and Design and the invention of Lithography changing the way in which art and graphic design was created. As well as, the effect World War Two upon the collective psyche of society, leading to a questioning of the value of all forms of established thinking and practice, extending to the field of Art and Design.
‘Modernism’ is a term that encompasses many sub-movements within Art and Design during this period, however I would argue that each one can be characterised by two core principles. The first being; a rejection of existing ‘traditional’ methods and principles, and the second; an desire to work towards something completely new or avant-garde.
Another running theme in most, but not all, modernist movements is the idea that art is and should be relevant to everyone, not just an elite few. One example of this is the development of an ‘international style’ in Architecture, Graphic Design and Product Design. This meant a visual language that was free of cultural, academic and historical references and thus was accessible to people of all nationalities, class and level of education.
Nevermind Design. 