WHAT IS MODERN?

A modern painting by Picasso

What is modern?  What is mid century modern?  What is mod?

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that we are lovers of all things modern.  We are especially enamoured with mid century modern and continue to decorate our house in this style.  We continue to shop for vintage clothing which reflects our love of mod and mid century fashion, and we hope to devote 2012 to pursuing our love of learning about this design movement and sharing it with you on this blog.
So...let's get started.....

Mid century modern art and interior.

 There seems to be some confusion regarding the difference between "modern" and "contemporary".....in my experience contemporary refers to design which is being produced today and doesn't necessarily reflect any particular style, and modern refers to a design (and even lifestyle) movement which began in the late 19'th century and continued until the post modern era of the 1980's.  No doubt there are other, and probably better, definitions of these two words but please stick with me here.

According to our friends at Wikkipedia, modernism was born from revolt...against the conservative values of realism, and was characterized by abstract and unconventional design and socially progressive thought.

Let's spend this week talking about modern, mid century modern, and mod... design, art, architecture and fashion.   What is your opinion of modern design?

Modern architecture

 Modern is:  a rejection of ornate flourishes

modern fashion

Mid century modern interior

 Modern is:  clean, straight lines.

Modern interior



Mid century fashion

  Modern is:  the use of stainless steel, aluminum, chrome and other metals.

Modern painting

Modern is:  minimalism

Mid century modern art

Mid century modern architecture

 Modern is:  Bold primary colors.

Mod fashion

 Modern is:  Moving away from traditional forms of design.

Mid century modern design

Modern is:  Simplicity

Random:  I have decided that this is the year I will devote to reading Biographies.  I want to read about people who challenge me and inspire me creatively, and am five chapters into Steve Job's.  Have any of you read it?  Do you enjoy biographies?  Any recommendations?

Please join in the conversation, we love to hear from you.
Have a beautiful day.
YANCEY