Modernism pertaining to artistic works refers to qualities such as innovation and individualism, use of materials and subject matter in nontraditional ways, and the self-awareness of the art or artist (i.e. challenging the meanings of art). According to the MoMA, the evolution of art into contemporary and modern work began with post-impressionist works such as Cézanne and van Gogh, which then led to cubism, futurism, Dadaism, surrealism, abstract expressionism, etc. Yet, MoMA dedicates an entire room to Claude Monet’s waterlilies (partially because of their iconic presence, but also because of their historical context). Monet’s work of Impressionism retains aspects of Modernism through the innovative style and painting approaches he took. The work which I want to discuss is Monet’s “Agapanthus”, 1914-26, oil on canvas. Like many other Monet paintings, the brushwork is loose, without much concern for capturing life as it is, but rather for capturing the emotion and fleeting aspects of the moment. The representation of water and flowers is suggestive rather than realistic. This suggestive representation shows the focus of art changing from hyperrealism and dramatic scenes, to a calmer modernity of life and the present. The grand allure of this painting is in part of how well it captures a fleeting sense. How it captures a moment of life (which artists later on will then use to fuel their artistic movements). The vivid colors also contribute to this feeling of present life and “the here and now”. It feels like a personal experience to be in front of a Monet. Monet knew his work was nontraditional in style, but like many other innovative artists, he was challenging the idea of an established criteria for art. This painting also has empty edges where there is no paint, which also contributes back to the lack of interest for realism. There is no mistaking this for anything other than a painting on canvas. These qualities of innovation, differentiation, and deviation from the norm all pertain to modernist ideas of art.

Monet Painting Picture