5 Times the Arts Changed the World

Art not only mirrors societal changes but also actively shapes our perceptions and interactions. Through its history, art has evolved dramatically, reflecting and instigating shifts in culture and thought. This article outlines five pivotal art movements that have significantly altered the world. 

The Renaissance

The Renaissance took place between the 14th and 17th century and marked a period of great cultural rebirth that sought to rediscover and revive the classical philosophy and aesthetics of ancient Greece and Rome. It fostered a humanistic philosophy that emphasised the potential and impotence of the individual. This period saw artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, whose works not only influenced the art world but also science, architecture, and literature, setting the stage for modern Western thought. 

Baroque

Emerging in the late 16th century, the Baroque movement was characterised by dramatic expressions, deep colour, and intense light and shadow. Art from this period used emotion, movement, and contrast to capture the viewer’s attention and stir deep emotional responses. The grandeur of Baroque art and architecture was often used by the church and monarchs to convey power and control, significantly impacting the design and aesthetics of subsequent eras. 

Impressionism

Born in 19th century France, Impressionism broke away from the constraints of traditional art to capture moments with rapid bush strokes, emphasising light variations rather than detail. Artists such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas prioritised spontaneity and movement. Impressionism paved the way for various modern art movements by challenging academic standards and encouraging a more subjective, personal approach to art. 

Pop Art

Pop Art emerged in the 1950s and continued throughout the 1960s as a radical turn from traditional art forms, drawing inspiration from popular and commercial culture. This movement, spearheaded by artists such as Any Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, blurred the lines between “high” art and “low” culture, using images from advertising, comics, and mundane cultural objects. Pop Art challenged the traditional elitism of the art world, creating a more accessible space for the general public and influencing everything from advertising to fashion and design. 

Postmodernism

In the late 20th century, Postmodernism marked the departure from modernism and is characterised by its skeptical interpretation of culture, literature, art, philosophy, history, economics, and fiction. It often refutes the idea that any single viewpoint is the absolute truth, leading to an era where multiple perspectives coexist. This movement encouraged experimentation and contradiction, significantly impacting visual arts and architecture.