Romanticism in the 21st Century

The basis of Romanticism came into fruition in the 18th century due a shift in reasoning regarding money, politics, and power. This change caused artists step outside the norm and to change their thinking when it came to creating their work. Romanticism, I believe is still very much alive today, and although we may not see it as clearly its presence is all around us.

This is graffiti done by one of the more well known graffiti artists, Banksy. This street art reflects the Romantic idea of the importance and inspiration of nature. This piece contrasts the industrial elements of our life (the cement wall, graffiti) with the natural elements the world (vines, weeds, flowers). The art emphasizes the importance of nature itself, or no matter how far we move away from this natural idea, nature is still and will always be a part of who we are as a human race. As  technology expands and we physically expand by building cities and roads, we will never sever our relationship to nature. Similarly, this piece demonstrates the use of contradictory elements. The flowers forcing their way out from underneath all the concrete juxtapose the linear walls stereotypical tough man succumbs to a place of vulnerability when he reveals his "inner beauty."

 

This song, Wake Me Up by Avicii, is another modern example of Romanticism today. The lyrics that stuck out to me that I felt were an example of Romanticism is when he says:

They say I'm too young to understand
They say I'm caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if
I don't open my eyes
Well that's fine by me

Avicii establishes the individualism characteristic of Romanticism, the emphasis on individual experience. This individualistic characteristic is expressed in his song by his desire to escape the social norms of society. How he doesn't listen people tell him to do certain things and how he's fine with taking a different path, not following others.