What is Modern?

 Modern

mod·ern

/ˈmädərn/

Relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.

Modern Art is a form of art that represents a rejection of traditional artistic styles.

Modern Architecture is a design language with an emphasis on form rather than ornament

What does it mean to be modern?
To be modern is to break away from what once was. To experiment, to challenge, and to redefine. In both art and architecture, modernism wasn’t just a style; it was a movement, a mindset, and a rebellion against tradition.

Modern Art emerged as artists began rejecting the rules that had long dictated what art “should” be. Instead of perfect realism or historical themes, they turned inward, expressing emotion, abstraction, and imagination. Modern artists wanted to show the world as they felt it, not just as they saw it.

Modern Architecture followed a similar path. Rather than decorating buildings with elaborate ornamentation, architects started focusing on clean lines, open spaces, and function-driven design. “Form follows function” became the saying for modernism. Steel, glass, and concrete weren’t just materials; they became statements of progress and simplicity.

Both modern art and modern architecture speak the same visual language of clarity, honesty, and innovation. They invite us to see beauty not in decoration, but in structure and to look at the raw expression of form, light, and space.

Modern art and architecture continue to inspire us today, pushing boundaries and shaping how we experience our surroundings. They remind us that progress is never still; it is always evolving, just like creativity itself. In this blog, I will explore how modern art and architecture intertwine, influencing each other through form, expression, and innovation.

Modernism can be seen in many aspects of life, especially in art and architecture. Above, I’ve included several examples of modern works: a painting by Meghann Stephenson, an architectural rendering, a digital architectural structure, and my own painting inspired by Stephenson’s style. Each piece highlights its own unique details and artistic qualities, reflecting the creativity and expression that define modern design.