8. The rise of ethnic nationalism (middle to late 1900's)

The ideal of ethnic nationalism, sparked by a series of events, swept the world during the last half of the century. These events included the creation of Israel in 1948, the end of the colonial empires and creation of the new states in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and the breakup of the Soviet Union (1991).

The range of artistic influences on artists broadened almost immeasurably, from the impact of African art on Cubism to multiculturalism today. Arts that had been considered material culture, "primitive," and within the domain of anthropology became appreciated first for formal qualities and then as the expression of traditional cultures with deep roots independent of the European or American tradition.

Multiculturalism replaced the "melting pot" as the American ideal in art as well as society. A society honoring diversity gains immeasurably from the rich art heritage of many cultures. The fine arts were no longer the exclusive province of white males--dead or alive.

 

Marilyn Stokstad is the Judith Harris Murphy Distinguished Professor of Art History at the University of Kansas. For her Top 10 list, Stokstad selects broad cultural movements of global significance seen in the light of the American experience. She generally notes a few specific events that triggered or characterized the larger issue or movement. She also expresses the impact on art either by a general movement or by a specific work of art.

1.

Science and technology get human beings to the moon (July 20, 1969)
2. Medical research produces "miracle" drugs (middle to late 1900's)
3. The breakup of the old social order (early 1900's)
4.

Private versus state patronage of the arts (throughout the 1900's)
5. The consumer society embraces the machine-made object (throughout the 1900's)
6. Advances in communication and transportation create the "global village" (throughout the 1900's)
7. The advance of civil rights and gender issues (middle to late 1900's)
8. The rise of ethnic nationalism (middle to late 1900's)
9. Totalitarian states attempt to control artists (throughout the 1900's)
10. Dropping the atomic bomb during World War II (1945)