The Birth of Modern Art

Modern art emerged in the late 19th century as a radical break with the academic traditions that had dominated painting and sculpture until then. Instead of seeking a faithful representation of reality, modern artists began to value individual expression, experimentation, and subjectivity.

One of the initial landmarks of this movement was Impressionism, which originated in France. Artists like Claude Monet began to portray light and movement with loose brushstrokes and vibrant colors, capturing the momentary impression of scenes.

At the beginning of the 20th century, other movements expanded this transformation. Cubism, developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, fragmented forms and presented multiple points of view in a single work. Surrealism, with artists like Salvador Dalí, explored the unconscious and dreams.

Modern art was also profoundly influenced by the social and technological transformations of the Industrial Revolution, the world wars, and the cultural changes of the time. The artist ceased to be merely a skilled technician and became a questioner of reality.

Thus, modern art represents not only a historical period, but a shift in mentality: creative freedom became more important than fidelity to tradition.

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