The Shock of the New summary

The Artistic Revolution

In The Shock of the New, Robert Hughes takes us on a whirlwind tour of the development of modern art. He starts with the revolutionary movements of the early 20th century, such as Cubism and Fauvism, which challenged traditional artistic norms and sought to capture the essence of the modern age. Hughes discusses the works of artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Duchamp, and how their radical ideas shook the art world.

He then moves on to the Russian avant-garde, exploring the impact of the Bolshevik Revolution on art. Hughes highlights the Constructivist movement, which sought to integrate art into everyday life and architecture. He also discusses the work of abstract artists like Kandinsky and Malevich, who aimed to express the spiritual in art.

The Interwar Years

The middle section of The Shock of the New delves into the interwar years, a time of great experimentation and turmoil. Hughes explores the Dada movement, which emerged as a response to the horrors of World War I, and its use of absurdity and chance in art. He also discusses Surrealism and its exploration of the unconscious mind, focusing on artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte.

Furthermore, Hughes examines how the rise of fascism in Europe influenced art. He discusses the Nazi condemnation of 'degenerate art', the exile of artists like Max Ernst and Marcel Duchamp, and the impact of the Spanish Civil War on artists such as Picasso. He also looks at the American response to these events, discussing the emergence of Abstract Expressionism.

The Post-War Period

In the third part of The Shock of the New, Hughes examines the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War era. He discusses the rise of Abstract Expressionism, a movement that embraced spontaneity and the subconscious, with artists like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning at the forefront. Hughes also explores the work of European artists who were affected by the war, such as the existentialist paintings of Alberto Giacometti.

As the 20th century progresses, Hughes discusses the increasing influence of consumer culture and mass media on art. He examines Pop Art, a movement that sought to blur the boundaries between high and low art, and the work of artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. He also looks at the rise of Minimalism, which emphasized simplicity and the use of industrial materials.

The Late 20th Century and Beyond

In the final section of The Shock of the New, Hughes discusses the diverse artistic movements of the late 20th century and beyond. He examines the impact of feminism on art, discussing the work of artists like Judy Chicago and Cindy Sherman. Hughes also explores the rise of installation art and environmental art, which aimed to engage with social and political issues.

Furthermore, Hughes discusses the impact of technology on art, including the rise of digital art and the use of new media. He also examines the global nature of contemporary art, discussing artists from non-Western cultures and the impact of globalization. In conclusion, The Shock of the New paints a vivid picture of the ever-evolving landscape of modern art.