Art is not just one thing. There are many different art movements and styles, all of which can have their own unique expressions. However, there are also overlaps, so when determining an art movement, it’s important to understand art history.
What is an Art Movement?
The term “art movement” refers to a specific style or a particular way of expressing oneself within the art world, typically arising and evolving in a specific historical period or context. Art movements are often defined by common traits and characteristics, such as visual elements, themes, techniques, and philosophical or ideological approaches.
For example, one can observe that Impressionism is an art movement characterized by its focus on light, color, and light reflections, while Expressionism is an art movement marked by expressive, often emotionally charged and expressive images. Art movements can also have different subgenres or variations that can vary depending on geographical location, culture, and individual artistic choices.
What is the Difference Between Art Movements and Art Styles?
It’s a good idea to understand what distinguishes different art movements when engaging with art. Art movements are often defined by their historical and cultural context, while styles are more influenced by individual artists’ personal expressions. Sometimes, it can be challenging to differentiate between the two, but generally, art movements are broader and more overarching categories, while styles are more specific.
Many of the art movements are used today as styles. For example, there are artists who express themselves in an Expressionist manner or aim for a Rococo expression.
Overview of Historical Art Movements
It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when an artistic trend arises and develops into an art movement. Therefore, one should approach the years given with some caution.
- Ancient Art
- Medieval Art: 5th–15th century
- Romanesque Art: c. 1000–1200
- Gothic Art: c. 1100–1500
- Renaissance: approximately 14th–17th centuries
- Mannerism: approximately 1520–1600
- Baroque: 17th century and into the 18th century
- Rococo: around 1730–1760
- Neoclassicism: late 18th century to 19th century (see also Palladianism)
- Weimar Classicism: 18th and 19th centuries
- Romanticism: late 18th century to mid-19th century
- Realism: 1840–1870
- Impressionism: 1870–1900
- Post-Impressionism: from the late 19th century
- Symbolism: c. 1880–1910
- Art Nouveau (Jugendstil): c. 1890–1910
- Art Deco: c. 1920–1939
- Expressionism: 1905 (1915)–1925
- Cubism: early 20th century
- Futurism: early 20th century
- Dadaism: 1915–1925
- Surrealism: from around 1920
- Bauhaus: 1919–1933
- Modernism: early 20th century and long after
- Abstract Expressionism: 1940s–1950s
- Pop Art: 1950s–1960s (and still influential today)
- Minimalism: from around 1960 and still present
- Conceptual Art: 1960s–1970s
- Brutalism: from the mid-20th century
- Postmodernism: from the mid-20th century onward
- Street Art: 1980s to today
- Digital Art: 1990s to today
This timeline offers a chronological overview of some of the most well-known art movements.
See link above to learn more about the different periods in art history, or download the Art Movement Timeline below.
When Did Abstract Art Emerge?
Abstract art emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the naturalistic art movements that were popular at that time. Abstract art focuses on composition and color instead of depicting reality in a realistic manner. Many abstract artists drew inspiration from geometric shapes and patterns, and their works often carried a simple, elegant style. Today, there are many different abstract art movements and styles, and many artists experiment with abstraction in their works.
Abstract art is not considered an art movement but rather a style within several artistic periods.
FAQ about Art Movements
A style is the expression an artist adheres to.
An art movement is a period in art history.
An art form is the same as a technique or discipline within various artistic crafts: e.g., painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, theater, film art, digital art, music, performance art, or dance.
