Modernism and Postmodernism are two very complicated words to define. Both of these terms include such a very wide variety of disciplines and areas of study that it is almost impossible to make any conclusions involving all aspects. To write complete definitions of these terms would not only be very difficult but would be under constant disapproval from others. There are no solid answers and there doubtfully ever will be. However, in the attempt to broadly understand these terms, there are things that can be said and elements that can be looked at.
             Of the two terms, Modernism is more easily comprehended. The "Easy-to-Read" Edition of the Webster's Dictionary describes modern as "Pertaining to the present time; of recent origin". This simple explanation can bring forth one of the most dominant ideas in Modernism: the rejection of the past. Modernists strived for progression and advancement. How would the world ever be able to move forward if there was such a strong connection to the past? The answer was, it couldn't. As a result, all ideas and techniques that were developed before then were abandoned. A constant quest for uniqueness and originality emerged and the world of Modernism took off.
             Through this continuous search for unconventionally, many new movements with new concepts and theories were presented. Each movement was played out until the progression of another began. The concepts were looked at and elaborated on, forming new concepts and new opportunities for elaboration. Artists at this point were pushing previously set boundaries and experimenting with things that were never even heard of. There was a complete transformation in the way of portraying, presenting and interpreting. Take the commonly used example of Marcel Duchamp, Why did he decide to take a urinal, call it art, then try to exhibit it? What did it mean? People were beginning to have to search for meaning. Art was not as simple as everyone had...