Evolution of Art

As with any current trend, in television, film, literature, paintings, sculpture, etc. there will be groups who will move against the constant waves to bring about a new and often disturbing art form. Many times the initial reaction by the general public is a form of disgust, hatred, and misunderstanding. New periods are often described as radicalism but then, in time, evolve into their own "era". From romanticism and impression to modernism and atonality. The relationship of paintings and music can be closely related at all points in time. During our trips to the Museum of Fine Arts this realization became even more apparent. As I examined the Impressionist paintings by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir I could hear pieces composed by the current Debussy and Chopin. The flowing romantic harmonies were present in not only the music but as the paintings as well. As we shifted our position into Modernism I no longer heard this flowing, romantic, music. My thoughts suddenly moved towrads the pieces of Schoenberg, Webern, and Stravinsky. At first sight or listen these art forms can create an unsettling, abstract, feeling that is so well represented by the works. If you consider the opening of the Rite of Spring by Stravisnky or the premiere of Picasso's work public brawls insued. It is ironic that this "extremist" works are now considered masterpieces like those before them. It is easy to categorize these artists into certain areas but in actuality they too evolved through different stages of expression, revolting against themselves. This ever-changing process of evolution is why art, in all forms, will continue to exploit the emotions of the experiencer and bring about timelessness.