Although only about 250 years old, The United States of America possesses a rich history of art and popular culture. Artists have emerged across every generation, using mediums of visual art, music, literature, poetry, and almost every other medium that exists. Take a walk through some key moments in this nation's vast cultural deposit, from authors to artists to musicians, and up to the present day, where Internet access provides individuals with a convenient means of powerful expression.
American impressionism
Impressionism, an artistic movement mainly prominent in the United States from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, uses strong hues in an attempt to convey emotion to those who see it. Artists use the impressionist style in an attempt to convey their feelings to us with powerful imagery. Impressionism cannot only be seen as a contributor to individuality in this way, but also in the fact that owning this artwork was a means of projecting wealth and status to others during the time period of the movement. Wealthy Americans desired to hang impressionist paintings in their fancy houses to distinguish themselves as high class citizens. The art piece above, At the Seaside, by William Chase effectively represents the impressionist movement, as its bright hues present those who see it with beautiful scenery that they would like to escape routine life to become a part of.
Prince
"A Strong spirit transcends Rules"
During the 80s and 90s, Prince captured the hearts of many with both his sensational music and cultural insight. He not only embodied a very distinct charisma on stage, but boldly spoke out against previously established societal ideas on issues like gender conformity. The unique and egocentric nature of Prince has earned him a place in history as one of America's all time favorite musical artists.
expansion of the internet
With the growth of the Internet and the formation of many social media websites, individuals throughout the world have finally been given a place of free expression. One of the main ways that these websites promote individuality is by giving users the ability to create and customize their own online profile, showing the world what makes them unique and how they desire to be recognized. While certain websites force users to identify with a profile, others allow users to express themselves anonymously. In this way, the Internet provides users with the best of both worlds: they can use a profile to show the world how they want to be seen while also being able to use other websites to communicate more controversial ideas that they do not want to risk being associated with.
Check out r/philosophy, a forum where users can freely participate in intellectual discussion:
https://www.reddit.com/r/philosophy/
Check out r/philosophy, a forum where users can freely participate in intellectual discussion:
https://www.reddit.com/r/philosophy/
vaporwave
Vaporwave, a growing surrealist art movement that encases both visuals and music, is designed to evoke strong emotions that lead us to question the purpose of the individual. It uses the distinct aesthetic of 90s commercialism as a reminder of humanity's selfishness and growing imperfection. The desired effect of this art is to lead individuals to question the potential of innovations of the 90s, such as what the Internet could have been had it things not been tainted by greed. Ultimately, the desire of the artists is for their audience to realize the benefits that would come from a more altruistic society not restricted by big businesses and other forms of establishment.