What was the dominant artistic movement of the early 20th century that aimed to capture the essence of the modern world?

The dominant artistic movement of the early 20th century that aimed to capture the essence of the modern world is Modernism. This movement emerged as a reaction to the dramatic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, technological advancements, and the shifting social landscape. Modernist artists sought to break with traditional forms and conventions to better represent the complexities of contemporary life.

Modernism encompasses a range of styles and philosophies, including abstraction, experimentation with new materials, and a focus on the inner workings of the mind. It often emphasized individual perception and experience, reflecting the rapidly changing world and the disillusionment that many felt after events such as World War I.

In contrast, Romanticism, which preceded Modernism, focused on emotion, nature, and the sublime, emphasizing individual expression and the beauty of the natural world rather than the nuances of modern life. Impressionism, while also influential, primarily sought to capture fleeting moments of light and color in everyday scenes, rather than embodying the broader themes of modernity. Surrealism, emerging later in the 1920s and 1930s, concentrated on dreams and the subconscious rather than the immediate modern experience.

Overall, Modernism uniquely encapsulated the artistic response to the complexities and challenges presented by