What distinguishes modernism from realism: a comparison of the two directions

In this article we will consider what distinguishes modernism from realism. To mark the differences, we will get acquainted with the two directions separately.

Modernism. Its characteristic

Modernism - this is the direction that emerged in art in the late XIX - early XX century. It is characterized by new, unconventional beginnings, changes in artistic forms, schematic and abstract style. This direction was in the lead in the first half of the XX century.

In different spheres of art, modernism manifested itself in different ways. In the graphic, he was like the early stage of avant-garde. Modern artists created original works that reflected a special view, internal freedom of authors, contributed new tools to work and even shocked the public.

In Russian literature this direction replaced the classical novel. The main currents were symbolism, acmeism, futurism. They had their own characteristics and differed from each other. All this can be seen when acquainted with the poetry of the first half of the XX century.

Realism. Its characteristic

What distinguishes modernism from realism is the objectivity of the second. It displays truthful reality, typical, important aspects of life, concretizes signs and features. The themes of the individual and society are touched upon. In the literature for this, various myths, symbols, parables can be used.

The direction appeared in the Enlightenment, in the XVIII century. It has several varieties. It is enlightening, critical and socialist.

In the fine arts, paintings created in this direction depict the daily life of people. Among Russian realistic artists, it is possible to distinguish I. Repin, V. Surikov and V. Serov.

What distinguishes modernism from realism?

Each direction has its own characteristics, sometimes some have common features and properties. However, this does not apply to the currents under consideration: they are absolutely opposite.

What distinguishes modernism from realism? First of all, the topic is different. In modernism, the authors convey their feelings, a personal view of life. In realism, artists touch on important life themes. In the first place they do not have their own feelings, but the transmission of typical situations. Personality is inextricably linked with society. In modernism, the artist is able to change the world as he pleases. No matter what social phenomena occur around.

If we consider the fine arts, then a comparison of realism and modernism shows how different they are from each other. In an earlier direction, artists show life as it is. In modernism, however, the vision is not described, but the author's view is expressed. Reality is not copied, like a photograph. Artists use new methods for drawing pictures: different shapes, symbols and stuff.