Analysis of Modernist Painting by Clement Greenberg Essay Example

In “Modernist Painting,” Clement Greenberg attempts to rationalize modern art. He explains that the essence of modernism can be found in the use of characteristic methods of self-criticism. Greenberg then goes on to nominate Kant as the first real modernists based on his self-critical tendencies. “Kant uses logic to establish the limits of logic,” says Greenberg. Criticism of Modernism grows from criticism of the Enlightenment. However, the two are distinctly different. Criticism of the Enlightenment comes from the outside while criticism of Modernism stems from the inside.

Justification is an essential component of art. Greenberg analyzes the differences between how art and religion are justified. For art to save itself from a decline it must demonstrate that it is an experience that is “valuable in its own right and not to be obtained from any other kind of activity”, says Greenberg. By doing this, art will find a new sense of purity and will become more secure. 

The best way to determine the uniqueness of art is by analyzing how specific the medium of the art form is. The medium of Realistic art is used to conceal art while Modernism is used to call attention to art. Modernism uses elements like a flat surface, the shape of the support, and pigment in painting as beneficial factors. While the Old Masters considered these elements as negative and limiting. Paul Cezanne used the elements to emphasize the process of painting rather than the result. Greenberg says it was in Cezanne’s use of flatness that made modernism unique and exclusive.  

Another area where Modernism departs from the practice of the Old Master is how modernism uses the picture plane. The Old Masters were determined to maintain the integrity of the picture plane by disguised the presence of flatness in a painting. They did this by using a vivid illusion of three-dimensional art. The Old Masters attempted to create an illusion where one could imagine themselves walking through the space of the painting. In contrast, in Modernist art, one is made aware of the flatness of a painting before he or she acknowledges what is in the painting. Greenberg deems the modernist plane as “the best way of seeing any kind of picture”. Later in the paper, he notes that Modernist flatness could never be an utter flatness because as soon as there is a mark on a canvas it gives way to some kind of optical illusion.

Greenberg analyzes the features three-dimensionality and two-dimensionality gives art. Modernism is a two-dimensional art form that has oftentimes abandoned recognizable figures to avoid impurity. Greenberg notes that Modernism does not abandon recognizable objects but rather the space that three-dimensional objects hold. Greenberg preferred two-dimensionality because he felt the attempt to achieve three-dimensionality was a quality that belonged to sculpture. 

To explain aesthetic consistency Greenberg reflects on the Neo-Impressionist's flirtation with science. The scientific method is an organized way to solve a problem in terms of physiology. To solve a problem in another way it must be translated in the same terms it is seeking to be solved. Greenberg says that Modernism asks that a literary theme be strictly translated into two-dimensional terms. This is an example of how modern science and Modernist art share similar historical and cultural tendencies.

Even though Modernist art redefined the way certain elements of art are viewed, Greenberg says Modernism is not a break with the past but rather a continuation. I agree with Greenberg’s statement because without a previous art form Modernism would not have had a place to start at. When analyzing artwork one will see the development of the movement. When discussing Modernist art Greenberg reflects on the development from some recognizable features to none at all. This is a perfect example of how Modernism evolved. This art form, though unique, was inspired by the work of previous great artists. That is why Greenberg says that Modernism has called attention to the accomplishments of past artists while also starting new revivals. Greenberg ends the essay by critiquing art criticism and its tardiness to Modernism. He explains that “without the past of art, and without the need and compulsion to maintain past standards of excellence, such a thing as Modernist art would be impossible”.