"Modern" and "modernism": common and different features

The art of the early 20th century is full of searches for new forms and meanings that reflect changing eras. Two similar-sounding terms – “modern” and “modernism” – are prominent examples of these changes, although they denote different styles with different characteristics.

History

Modern – is an artistic style that emerged at the end of the 19th century as a protest against eclecticism and mechanization. It reached its greatest development in the fields of decorative arts, architecture and design. Art Nouveau sought to create a new aesthetic in which natural forms would be integrated into everyday objects – with graceful lines, ornaments and rich decor.

Modernism appeared a little later, in the 1s and 2s, and became widespread in the interwar period. This direction was a response to World War I, the Industrial Revolution, and social changes. Modernism focused on minimalism, simple forms, and functionality, criticized excessive decor, and sought innovative, rational solutions.

General functions

Both styles emerged as a reaction to previous trends and social conditions, and there are some similarities:

• Rebellion against traditionBoth modern and modernism are a departure from classical forms, eclecticism, and depictions of previous eras.
• Focusing on new formsBoth styles sought to create a new art that embodied modern views and reality.
• Incorporating modern technologiesBoth Art Nouveau and Modernism used the latest materials of their time: glass, metal, concrete, which allowed them to expand the artistic possibilities and functionality of objects.

Outstanding features

1. Shape and finish

• Modern: characterized by intricate ornamentation, smooth and natural lines, and stylized floral and animal motifs. In architecture, Art Nouveau often used colored glass, wrought metal elements, and curved shapes.
• Modernism: is a minimalist style that strives for no decoration. Modernist architecture strives for functional forms with clean lines and simple geometric designs. The main materials are concrete, glass and metal, and the color scheme is usually restrained.

2. Ideology

• Modern: the main focus is on beauty and harmony with nature. Modernism draws inspiration from nature and strives to emphasize the uniqueness of each object. It sees the world as something beautiful that can be improved through art.
• Modernism: the main value is rationality, innovation and functionality. Modernism strives for comfort, simplicity and versatility. The main motto of modernism is "form follows function", emphasizing the need for practicality.

Adaptability

Today, both styles remain popular and influential, but their applications differ:

• Modern: is coming back into fashion as an interior design element, combining modern materials with intricate ornaments and textures reminiscent of Art Nouveau elements. It attracts both with its aesthetics and ecological point of view - natural materials, organic shapes.
• Modernism: remains the basis of modern design and architecture, focused on simplicity, rationality and functionality. Modern designers actively use the ideas of modernism to create environmentally friendly and functional structures, applying its principles to the minimalist style.

Modern and modernism, although close in time of emergence, are completely different in ideology and stylistic approaches. Modern is an elegant, detailed style that gives priority to aesthetic beauty and harmony with nature, while modernism, on the contrary, strives for simplicity, practicality, functionality, meeting the conditions of the technocratic 20th century. Both styles inspire today, maintaining their significance in both architecture and interior design, demonstrating the immortality of great ideas embodied in form.