Art Movements in the Twentieth Century - Essay Example

Art Movements in the Twentieth Century Art Movements in the Twentieth Century Many art movements emerged during the twentieth century, some of which obtained influence from social conditions and political movements. Some of these artists were Picasso and Frida Kahlo, who through art showed a great desire to bring about social change in the society. They often were concerned about the lives of those who were ordinary in the society who had to suffer in the hands of political leaders or those in power.

It is this, therefore, that triggered their art movements in order to have these people liberated from the harsh hands and in turn bring better social and political conditions; which is our main focus in the essay. Apart from his using art for beauty purposes, Picasso had a great concern for the political wellbeing of his country as well as that of the people. It is his commitment in politics that had him declare that painting is not all about aesthetic value, but a tool to put war on the enemy.

He is for instance seen to take advantage of the opportunity offered to him to make a painting for the Spanish Republican government to make a painting with social and political messages; one that was to be displayed to the public and therefore present him with an opportunity to relay a message he had been longing for in a long time. His motivation to do the work however comes in when he receives further information on what had happened to Guernica; the bombing that affected thousands of people, through killing or wounding.

This painting was meant to condemn what had just happened and come up with a strong protest on behalf of the weak and voiceless. The message in the painting by Picasso was quite emotional through its portrayal of the enormous act of brutality. He insisted that the work of art remains hung, even after the exhibition had ended, for people to have a visual feel of the horrific moments of the time. Frida Kahlo used his paintings to portray the pain that human beings had to go through psychologically.

Her life was not a ride in the park as she had various issues to struggle with, like illness and personal relationships; something that pushed her to this artwork, which was therefore a public alarm that people should embrace better relationships with their friends or lovers and be careful not to utter or do things that would interfere with ones psychological wellbeing. It is through her work named, ‘The Two Fridas, in which her personality as well as political intensions were implied; meaning that this was a representation of the personal struggles that revolved around her life as well as those of Mexico, that she was made famous.

Frida was known to be a very devoted citizen to her country and is said to have joined the communist party and even took part in public political protests. Her dressing advocated nationalism, and this was also evident in struggling to have Mexico achieve a national identity. Through their artworks, Picasso and Frida Kahlo were able to air their various feelings of what was happening in the society, on behalf of the rest of the people who had no voice as far as such matters are concerned. These were mainly political and social matters that drove them into venturing in the field of artwork, and takes commitment, concern and love for ones people and country to be in such a field.

Through their artwork, political leaders became more responsible and aware of the suffering their people were going through and therefore seek ways of reversing the situation to what it is to be like. These art movements were therefore of great benefit during the twentieth century, as a result of being pushed by political movements and social conditions of the time.