Modernism and Modernity

Lecture notes

• Modernism and Modernity is the process of rationality and reason. 

• Modernity - New modern experience, formed around the city 

• Caillebotte - Impressionist One of the first people to start modern techniques i.e photography 

• Paintings- modern world, difference between class, new forms of individuality

• Technology - kaiserpanorama a viewing station, new obsession with tecnology

• Life becomes more mediated - Max Mordue 

• Modernism emerges out of the subjective response of artists/designers to: Modernity

• Threat of photography, way of documenting, starts to take over from photography, makes you feel more in control. 

• Science and technology become more linked 

Modernism in design 

• Anti historicism, to look forward invent new styles 
• Truth to materials 
• Form follows function 
• Technology 
• Internationalism 

Great exhibition - 1851

• Simplicity 

Adolf Loos 1908 - Ornament is crime 

• Truth to materials, simple geometric forms, never become dated 

Bauhaus

• Modern education 
• Modern building, functional, comes before look, the building is a box to maximise the space, simple concrete. 
• Own typeface, sans - serif create din modern era
• Stripped down, simplicity of process 

Internationalism 

• A language of design that could be reorganised and understood on an international scale 
• Herbert Bayer, ditch capitals, strip everything back 

Summary 

The term modern is not a neutral term, it suggests novelty and improvement

Modernity ( 1750 - 1960? ) social and culture experience 

Modernism - The range of ideas and styles that sprung from modernity