If you have an interest in early 20th Century art or follow art history news you probably know that we just passed the 100 year anniversary of the 1913 Armory Show, a.k.a. 1913 International Exhibition of Modern Art. It is called the Armory show because the exhibit was first held in the U.S. Coast Guard armories in New York, although it later traveled to Chicago and Boston.
The 1913 Armory Show was really the first large scale exhibit of Modern Art in America. Although there were a number of Americans who had their work included in the show, it was probably the first time most attendees were introduced to the new artwork being created in Europe. Artists like Picasso, Braque, Matisse, Cezanne, Duchamp, Gauguin, Leger, Hopper, Bellows, Goya, Seurat, Derain, Van Gogh… and so many others as well, with more than 300 artists.
This show was a powerhouse, and it must have been so impressive to see. Without a doubt, it changed the artistic style of many American artists and the direction of American art.
100 years ago… I would love to have been there.
