AP Art History

Advanced Placement Art History exploring global artistic traditions and cultural contexts.

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Analyzing Artistic Movements

What is an Artistic Movement?

Artistic movements are groups of artists who share a common style, philosophy, or goal. These movements often emerge in response to social or technological changes.

Key Movements

  • Impressionism: Focus on light, color, and capturing fleeting moments.
  • Cubism: Breaking forms into geometric shapes to show multiple perspectives.
  • Abstract Expressionism: Emphasizing emotion and spontaneity through bold brushwork.

Why Movements Matter

Understanding movements helps us track the evolution of art and how artists respond to their world.

Examples

  • Comparing Claude Monet’s landscapes to Pablo Picasso’s cubist portraits.

  • Exploring how Dada challenged traditional art during World War I.

In a Nutshell

Artistic movements reveal the changing ideas and techniques in art over time.

Key Terms

Impressionism
A 19th-century movement focused on light, color, and everyday scenes.
Abstract Expressionism
A mid-20th-century movement emphasizing gestural brushwork and emotion.
Analyzing Artistic Movements - AP Art History Content | Practice Hub