modern art

noun

: artistic work marked by a rejection of traditional styles and techniques and a search for new forms of expression

While much traditional art relies on inherited symbols and references that identify a work as belonging to a particular cultural tradition, modern art's concern with direct visual experience de-emphasizes such references and traditions.

—Benjamin Lima

Over the first quarter of this century [the museum] has become part of the establishment without losing its edge—a hard act to keep up. But it is the job of modern art to evolve and challenge the status quo.

—The Guardian (London)

specifically : such work as associated with a series of artistic movements ranging from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century

This show of 40 works … touches on the history of German modern art … from around 1910 through the post-World War I period.

—The New York Times

[Joseph] Stella returned to New York just in time for the infamous 1913 Armory Show, where he exhibited two paintings alongside Matisse, Cassatt, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and other pillars of modern art.

—Victoria Rose

High on a hill overlooking the sea, the museum is filled with modern art greats: Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Cy Twombly, but its most iconic piece is on the beach below: a giant yellow pumpkin by Japanese pop artist Yayoi Kusama, a surreal beacon jutting out into the sea.

—Isabel Choat

Examples of modern art in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Helena Newman, chair of Sotheby’s Europe and worldwide head of Impressionist and modern art, told Ocula that the painting could sell above estimate for $200 million. — News Desk, Artforum, 30 Sep. 2026

Sotheby’s will offer them as part of its modern art evening sale in November, held as part of the New York marquee auctions. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The complex is meant to serve not only as a venue for modern art and design from China and abroad, but also to allow Suzhou's visitors and residents to enjoy open spaces by the water. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2026

The project had been in the works since 2014, but plans accelerated in 2021 when Tang and Hsu-Tang, two of the world‘s top collectors, gifted the museum $125 million toward renovating the its modern art wing. — Leigh Anne Miller For Artnews, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above