Modernist Painting by Clement Greenberg

Modernist Painting by Clement Greenberg

From wikipedia we learn that Modernism is "a philosophical movement that, along with cultural trends and changes, arose from wide-scale and far-reaching transformations in Western society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries."  So what does that mean? Modernism can be classified as a movement that set out to modify traditional beliefs and rules.

 In this article we read about the definition of modernism through Clement Greenberg's perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article. My favorite line from it: "Modernism includes almost the whole of what is truly alive in our culture." So in a nutshell this article touches on the definition of modernism and according to Greenberg it is, "using the characteristic methods of a discipline to criticize the discipline itself." He talks about how many believe modernism to be a rebellion against the Roman catholic church or a breakaway from traditional ideals. But he doesn't see it that way. He talks about how he believes modernism isn't a rebellion or liberation from 'classical art'. It is simply a self awakening process.