Modern Art, a term used to describe art created from 1860 to 1970, represents a period of groundbreaking shifts and experimentation. Following this era, art from 1970 onward is categorized as Contemporary Art. Before the 19th century, artists primarily worked on commissions from wealthy patrons or institutions like the Church or Monarchy, often producing art centered on religion, mythology, or portraiture. However, in the 19th century, artists began exploring personal expression, challenging the expectation that art should mirror reality.

The Industrial Revolution (1760–1840), which preceded the Modern Art era, transformed society with innovations in manufacturing, transportation, and technology. These changes reshaped social, economic, and cultural life, particularly in Western Europe and North America. With improved travel and exposure to diverse cultures, artists expanded their creative horizons. Artist materials evolved too—paints became available in portable tubs, enabling artists to paint outdoors and experiment with new styles and techniques.

Modern Art saw the rise of major movements, each contributing uniquely to the era’s creative landscape. Impressionism, led by artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Berthe Morisot, and Maria Braquemond, introduced loose brushwork and vibrant light effects. Expressionism, with figures like Wassily Kandinsky and Sonia Delaunay, used vivid color and abstraction to convey emotion. Cubism, pioneered by Pablo Picasso, Natalia Goncharova, and Liobov Popova, broke down objects into geometric shapes. Dadaism and Surrealism, with artists like Tarsila Do Amaral, Dorothea Tanning, and Salvador Dali, challenged logic and embraced dreamlike, fantastical imagery.

The invention of photography in 1839 revolutionized how artists viewed and interpreted the world. This new medium inspired artists to explore diverse styles, no longer confined to realistic representation. Photography’s ability to capture the real world pushed painters and sculptors to express what lay beyond visible reality, giving rise to entirely new visual languages.

As the Modern Art movement grew, women increasingly joined the ranks of artists, though they faced significant social and cultural barriers. Art remained male-dominated, and women’s contributions were often overlooked. Female artists were expected to create their work within the confines of their homes, and many art classes—particularly those involving nude models—were inaccessible to them. Women turned to self-portraits or painted close family members, sharing their inner lives, frustrations, and perspectives through art. These works reflect the limitations imposed on them, as well as a powerful, quiet rebellion against societal expectations.

Despite these challenges, women found ways to assert their voices. However, recognition was slow to come. It wasn’t until recent years that solo exhibitions for women artists gained visibility in prestigious institutions. For example, the first solo exhibition of a female artist at the National Gallery in London was held in 2020, featuring the work of Artemisia Gentileschi. In 2023, the London Royal Academy of Arts hosted its first solo exhibition for a woman artist, showcasing Marina Abramovic.

These milestones serve as a testament to both the resilience of women artists and the long-overdue recognition of their contributions. While Modern Art reflects the dramatic shifts of its time, it also tells the story of women who used creativity as a means of self-liberation. Their art, once constrained by societal limitations, continues to influence and inspire, reminding us of the transformative power of expression against all odds.