key art historical concepts that are connected to the modernist and the postmodern era.

The modernist and postmodern eras are characterized by a range of key art historical concepts that reflect the changing cultural and social contexts of the 20th century. Here are some of the most important concepts that are connected to these periods:

1. Avant-garde: The avant-garde refers to artists who are at the forefront of new artistic movements or styles. In the modernist era, avant-garde artists such as Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky sought to break with traditional artistic conventions and create new forms of expression. In the postmodern era, the concept of the avant-garde became more diffuse, as artists and theorists challenged the idea of a single unified artistic movement.

2. Abstraction: Abstraction refers to art that does not represent recognizable objects or figures, but instead emphasizes color, shape, and form. In the modernist era, abstraction was seen as a way to break with traditional modes of representation and create a new, more abstract visual language. Postmodern artists also used abstraction, but often in a more ironic or self-conscious way, as a way to challenge traditional notions of artistic mastery and authority.

3. Appropriation: Appropriation refers to the practice of borrowing or reusing existing images or objects in art. In the postmodern era, artists such as Richard Prince and Sherrie Levine used appropriation as a way to critique the art world and challenge notions of originality and authorship.

4. Mass culture: Mass culture refers to the commercialized, popular culture that emerged in the 20th century, including films, television, advertising, and consumer goods. In the postmodern era, artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein used imagery from mass culture in their work, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture and challenging traditional notions of artistic value.

5. Identity: The concept of identity became increasingly important in the postmodern era, as artists and theorists questioned the stability and coherence of the self. Postmodern artists such as Cindy Sherman and Yasumasa Morimura used self-portraiture and performance to explore issues of gender, race, and cultural identity.

6. Globalism: The increasing interconnectedness of the world in the 20th century led to a renewed interest in the cultural traditions of non-Western societies. In the modernist era, artists such as Paul Gauguin and Henri Matisse were influenced by non-Western art and culture, while in the postmodern era, artists such as Yinka Shonibare and Takashi Murakami blended elements of different cultures to create hybrid, cross-cultural works of art.

In conclusion, the modernist and postmodern eras are characterized by a range of key art historical concepts that reflect the changing cultural and social contexts of the 20th century. These concepts continue to influence contemporary art and culture, and offer insights into the complex ways in which art and society are intertwined.