Mon, 04/30/2007 - 7:32pm

Modernism is certainly a controversial word. In the history of Art and in literature, the time frame of Modernism is debatable however it is usually deemed to denote the very specific time period between the first and second world wars. However, traces of Modernism are found in the every day lives of people across the globe. In theory, a museum exhibition of Modernism would be an almost impossible endeavor if one wanted to truly show the far reaching reign of the ideals of Modernism, how they affected nearly every single aspect of life during that time, and how consequently, our “modern”, as in, the present, world has been wholly influenced by this brief period of time nearly 100 years ago. The Corcoran, in an attempt to explain to its visitors the magnitude of Modernism, seemingly had no other choice but to break down the time frame of what became known as Modernism, by the various artistic movements in Europe and Russia which were occurring at the time and the major themes which, today we take for granted, were at the time, revolutionary.

The major works from the show include key pieces from the Italian Futurist Movement, the Dutch Die Stijl movement, the German Bauhaus movement and many famous architectural models such as Gerrit Rietveld’s Schroder House. The exhibition, aside from containing many important paintings and models, also boasts movies, sculpture and even an automobile. Perhaps one of the more memorable installations is a mint condition, full size Frankfurt Kitchen. This, an example of one of the first mass-produced kitchens ever, reflects the design aesthetic of the time – function over frills. The designer, Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, much like her contemporaries, believed that art and design had come to a new cross roads with technology and that the two were destined to merge into one, bringing art into the mundane world of the everyday, thus creating a physical and psychological epiphany only possible when form and function take precedence.

The show overall is an interesting study of this groundbreaking time in Europe. Although there is almost no mention of America’s take on the the Modernist movement, the works displayed were more than prominently featured in our own country – influencing even the most mundane of objects, such as tea kettles – a large amount of which are also on display. For anyone who ever thought that the disconnect that exists between our world today and the world of 100 years ago was due to a gradual change, this exhibition is sure to prove startling, as it was the Modernist Era which forever changed the world. Plus, as a show organized by the V & A in London, it contains many fabulous works of fine art, including some by my personal favorite – Paul Klee.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is located 500 17th Street NW. Hours are Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 pm, closed on Tuesdays. Admission is: Adults $14, Senior/Military $12, Students $10, free for Members. For more information on the show or the permanent collection please visit http://www.corcoran.org/exhibitions/index.htm

About the author
Yasmin Tasan has been living in Washington, DC since 2001. She studied art history in college and is committed to furthering her understanding of fine art through the exploration of the many unique and interesting shows and exhibits Washington continually offers. When not roaming the halls of a museum you can most likely find her exploring a new or favorite restaurant with friends, running in Rock Creek Park or making a fool of herself at Bikram yoga.

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