Modernism and examples from literature, painting, sculpture, and architecture.

As an art historical term, "modern" refers to a period dating from roughly the 1860s through the 1970s and is used to describe the style and the ideology of art produced during that era. It is this more specific use of modern that is intended when people speak of modern art. The term "modernism" is also used to refer to the art of the modern period. More specifically, "modernism" can be thought of as referring …

…mbolic sculpture by Alberto Giacometti captivated the uncertainty of the modern world and the anguish this provokes in humans. It's a perfect example of modern departure from the sculptures of preceding eras. It depicts modernism precisely, insecure and while living an unchanging way of life. The figure is half-seated, half-standing, and as you look at the figure's eyes, it's if it tries to grab hold of an illusive reality, but ends up clutching only emptiness.