Upcycle Project Opposite Aesthetic – Modernism

In my previous blog posts, I have described the Baroque aesthetic associated with my upcycle project as being a very dramatic, and tense aesthetic, depicting scenes often also associated with naturalism and classicism. Baroque is scene as a very elegant and classy aesthetic, and it follows relatively strict rules. During my research into what could potentially be the opposite of the Baroque aesthetic, I was looking for something a little bit more loose, with less strict rules that it needs to follow. Something with bright colors, and less structure. The first thing that came to mind was Modernism.

Following the first world war, many people explored Modernism as it was a more experimental way to create art. This was a time when many people were searching for new modes of expression in art, as a consequence of industrialization and urbanization. Unlike the Baroque aesthetic, playing a huge role in music during its time period, Modernism played a large role in literature at the time.

The Waste Land  by T.S. Eliot, is modernist poem written about the “redemption and renewal in a sterile and spiritually empty landscape”. Modernist poems usually leave a lot up for interpretation by the reader, and often contain themes of finding hope in a barren setting. The idea of “stream of consciousness writing” also came about during this time period. This is the idea where you let your thoughts roam free, and write down everything as it streams into your head. This is a popular creative writing practice is still used often today. Modernism also had a strong impact on art. Many popular pieces contained darker but less traditional color tones, and the images depicted are usually very abstract and unique. 

Giacomo Balla: Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash

In this painting by Balla, we can see some of the characteristics of modernism, depicting a scene of a dog walking next to his owner. Notice how the artist included the motion of both the dog and the human’s feet, creating an unserious and unique scene.

When sketching the Modernism version of my violin lamp, I tried to go with something that fulfilled the unique, expressive characteristics that are commonly found in this aesthetic.

Unfortunately, I am not the most talented artist, however; I believe this sketch of my violin lamp under the modernist aesthetic fulfils several modernist qualities. I tried to recreate a blend of unique shapes and color, and foster a more uplifting image. The silver, and functionally formed lamp shade, as well as the stand allow for some contrast in this image. In an effort to make it more unique and expressive, I also replaced the tuning pegs on the top of the violin with small light bulbs.

If I had more time (and artistic talent) I would have tried to add more colors and patterns to the violin lamp. I would have experimented with the different shades of each color to see how they impact the design.

Sources:

Kuiper, Kathleen. “Modernism in the Visual Arts and Architecture.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 20 Dec. 2024, www.britannica.com/art/Modernism-art/Modernism-in-the-visual-arts-and-architecture. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.