1900s

The art world in the 1900s was a period of significant artistic and cultural transformation. It marked the transition from the 19th-century academic traditions to a more diverse and experimental art scene. One of the major art movements that emerged during this time was the Post-Impressionism movement. Artists like Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin broke away from traditional representational techniques, exploring new forms of expression through bold colors, distinctive brushwork, and subjective interpretations of the world. Another influential movement was Symbolism, which emphasized the use of symbols and metaphors to convey emotional and psychological themes. Artists such as Gustav Klimt and Odilon Redon embraced this movement, creating mysterious and dreamlike artworks. The 1900s also witnessed the early stirrings of modern art, with artists like Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso experimenting with new forms and pushing the boundaries of artistic representation. Additionally, this period saw the rise of art movements such as Fauvism and Expressionism, which further challenged traditional aesthetics and explored heightened emotions and personal expression. The 1900s were a time of artistic exploration, innovation, and a departure from the established artistic norms, setting the stage for the radical developments that would shape the art world in the following decades.

The 20th century commenced with the 1900s, a decade of profound change and innovation across multiple fronts. Artistically, the world witnessed the eruption of modernism, with Picasso and Braque pioneering Cubism, breaking traditional perspectives and reconfiguring reality in fragmented forms. In literature, stream-of-consciousness writing emerged, epitomized by authors like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf. Technologically, the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903 redefined the limits of human capability, ushering in the aviation era. Meanwhile, radio technology started its nascent journey, eventually transforming global communication. Cinema, still in its infancy, began to captivate audiences, evolving rapidly both in storytelling and technique. The spread of the automobile became even more pronounced, altering urban landscapes and personal mobility. Concurrently, societal shifts were profound; the women's suffrage movement gained momentum in various parts of the world, demanding equal voting rights. The decade also bore witness to significant scientific advancements: Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity in 1905 challenged conventional views of space and time. While marked by growth and discovery, the 1900s was also shadowed by brewing tensions that foreshadowed global conflicts in the years to come, setting the tone for a century marked by both remarkable progress and profound challenges.