Art movements and trends

Familiarise yourself with the concept of art movements. These are periods of time when a group of artists share a similar style, approach, philosophy, or goal within their work.
Appreciate the chronological progression of famous art movements such as the Renaissance, Romanticism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and so on.
Remember that the essence of these movements is often reflected in the social, political, and cultural climate of the era. Their relevance extends beyond the field of art.

Learn the basic features and attributes of each movement. For example, Cubism’s multiple perspectives and fragmented form, Impressionism’s interest in light and colour, or Surrealism’s use of dream-like imagery.
Recognise the importance of technologies, mentality shifts, and innovations that contributed to the birth of certain movements. For instance, the invention of photography played a major role in the emergence of Impressionism.
Understand how one movement can beget another. Neo-classicism and Romanticism represented a shift away from Rococo, and Surrealism was an evolution of Dadaism.

Associate key artists with their respective movements. Picasso is synonymous with Cubism, while Monet is associated with Impressionism and Salvador Dali with Surrealism.
Connect iconic artworks to the movements they highlight. For example, the ‘Guernica’ is emblematic of Cubism, ‘The Starry Night’ of Post-Impressionism, and ‘Mona Lisa’ of the Renaissance.
Understand the significance of artists who’ve contributed to multiple art movements. A notable example is Picasso who was involved in Symbolism, Surrealism, and Cubism.

Keep abreast with contemporary art trends, such as Street Art, New Media Art, Digital Art, and Eco-Art.
Understand the importance of technology’s role in shaping these trends, from digital tools to social media platforms.
Appreciate the impact of global issues on modern art trends. Increasing focus on climate change has led to the rise of eco-art, and globalisation influences the fusion of different cultural elements in contemporary work.

Experiment with various styles and techniques of different art movements in your own work.
Reflect how the social and cultural context of your own time may influence your style and subject matter.
Seek inspiration from the past while innovating and creating your unique style. Today’s art world is often characterised by pastiche and homage to the movements of yesteryear.