- Technologically: Industrial Revolution (1880-1920), Economically: Great Depression (1929), Politically: Rise of Communism (1917)Globally: World War I (1914-1918), Socially: Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968),
Technologically: Industrial Revolution (1880-1920), The Industrial Revolution impacted the world’s understanding and use of technology. This renewed interest in progress was also relevant in their art. The late realism period was also influenced by the Industrial Revolution, however instead of taking a more imaginative approach; Realists depicted the Industrial Revolution with all its flaws. Art depicted the lives of people at this time including the struggles they faced.
Economically: Great Depression (1929), The Depression changed how American’s lived, it was a dark time and many struggled with homelessness or hunger. Art often chronicled this suffering. Many famous photographers traveled the country to document the changing face of America.
Politically: Rise of Communism (1917) - The rise of communism renewed interest in political messages in art. Some artists opposed communism and others championed it. Movements such as Dada resulted. The desire to express oneself in a free manner devoid of political input transformed some art movements.
Globally: World War I (1914-1918), World War I impacted the entire world. New changes in warfare and technology were developed. Art movements such as surrealism were developed to express art in nonrepresentational forms. Social and political concerns were globally represented through art.
Socially: Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968), the civil rights movement made equality available to all Americans. These politically charged ideas are often reflected in the art of that time period. Some used art as a way to educate the public about equality. Racially charged imagery and statements about political standpoints became prominent.
Works Cited:
Gombrich, E. (2003). The story of art. Phaidon. Print.
Kleiner, F. (1998) Gardner's art through the ages. (13 ed., Vol. 1). Wadsworth Publishing.Print.
The Family. (n.d.). CHGS.Web. Retrieved January 5, 2013, from chgs.umn.edu
WGU. (n.d.). WGU. Mind Edge Online 2. Web. Retrieved February 9, 2013, from wgu.mindedgeonline.com/content.php?cid=21288
Witcombe, C. (2009). Art history: Resources on the web. Web. Retrieved on 2/9/13 at:
http://witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHLinks.html
