Landmark of the World’s Art: Modern World by Norbert Lynton

Description

Norbert Lynton’s “Landmark of the World’s Art: Modern World” beckons us into a fascinating exploration of artistic creation in the dynamic era of the 20th and early 21st centuries. This isn’t a dry, encyclopedic survey, but a vibrant tapestry woven with groundbreaking movements, captivating personalities, and the relentless evolution of artistic expression.

Lynton doesn’t confine himself to chronological rigidity. Instead, he adopts a thematic approach, grouping artistic developments around broader concepts like “The City and the Machine,” “Nature Transformed,” and “The Global Arena.” This allows him to draw illuminating connections across geographical and chronological boundaries, showcasing how artists in different parts of the world engaged with shared anxieties, responded to technological upheavals, and grappled with the ever-shifting tides of social and political realities.

We encounter the electrifying birth of Cubism and the radical fragmentation of space; the emotional intensity of Expressionism and its poignant cries in the face of human suffering; the playful defiance of Dada and its subversive mockery of artistic conventions. We trace the emergence of abstraction, from its lyrical beginnings in Kandinsky to its bold geometric forms in Mondrian. We witness the rise of surrealism, with its unsettling dreamscapes and its probing into the depths of the unconscious mind.

Beyond the established “isms,” Lynton sheds light on lesser-known but equally significant movements: the vibrant folk art traditions that continue to flourish, the politically charged street art that pulsates in urban corners, and the innovative digital expressions that push the boundaries of artistic mediums.

Lynton’s prose is both erudite and engaging, seamlessly weaving together insightful analysis with vivid descriptions and captivating anecdotes. He doesn’t shy away from challenging assumptions and questioning established interpretations, inviting readers to form their own judgments and engage in a critical dialogue with the art on display.