Art of The Western World Season 1 Episode 8 Into the 20th Century

Into the 20th Century is the eighth episode of the first season of the Art of the Western World. The episode takes us on a journey through the art of the 20th century and its transition from traditional forms to modernism and eventually postmodernism.

The episode begins with a discussion of the Arts and Crafts Movement, which sought to revive traditional craftsmanship in response to the mass-produced goods of the Industrial Revolution. We then move into the work of the early 20th century artists who were looking for a new way to express themselves. We see the works of Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and other Cubist artists, whose fragmented and distorted imagery shattered the conventions of representational art. We also see the Fauvist movement, which celebrated pure color and brushwork and the works of German Expressionism, which embraced the use of emotions and the inner psyche.

The episode then examines the rise of movements such as Futurism, Vorticism, and Constructivism, which celebrated the machine and the industrial age. The Futurists sought to depict the speed and energy of modern life, while the Constructivists used abstract forms and designs to celebrate the efficiency and beauty of industry.

The episode also looks at the work of the Surrealists, who sought to explore the world of dreams, the subconscious, and the irrational. We see the works of Salvador Dali, René Magritte, and other influential artists who used imagery that was strange, unsettling, and often nonsensical.

The episode concludes with a look at the work of postmodernist artists who rejected the idea of artistic progress and sought to use art as a tool for social and political critique. We see the works of feminist artists like Cindy Sherman and Judy Chicago, who challenged traditional notions of beauty and femininity. We also see the work of artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, who questioned the value of art and the role of the artist in contemporary society.

Overall, Into the 20th Century is a fascinating exploration of the ways in which art evolved and transformed in the 20th century. It highlights the diverse range of styles, ideas, and movements that emerged over the course of the century and demonstrates how these artists challenged our perceptions of the world and ourselves.