When Martin Filler discusses the early stance of MoMA, he highlights a significant restriction imposed by the Bauhaus movement. This prohibition against any design that hinted at decoration was strictly adhered to, which means that any artwork or design with even subtle decorative elements was frowned upon. As a result, this strict rule shaped how MoMA approached and interpreted modernist art for many years.
The quote delves deeper into the impact of such rigid guidelines on the perception and development of Modernism within the museum context. By adhering to the Bauhaus's stringent principles, MoMA initially excluded various forms of expression that could be considered decorative or ornamental, even if they contributed valuable nuances to modernist art. This exclusionary approach not only limited the diversity of artistic expressions but also influenced how the broader public and subsequent generations understood modernism. It suggests a narrow interpretation of what constituted "modern" design, potentially stifling creativity and innovation in favor of adhering to a specific set of aesthetic rules.
Martin Filler is an American architecture critic with extensive experience in the field of art and design criticism. Known for his incisive commentary on architectural history and contemporary issues, he has written extensively for publications like The New York Review of Books and The New Criterion. His work often explores the intersection between cultural trends and artistic movements, providing insightful analyses that illuminate both historical contexts and current developments in architecture and design.
