Avant-garde

Noun

Definition: New and experimental ideas and methods in art, music, or literature, often characterized by a departure from traditional or mainstream conventions.

Synonyms: Innovative, Cutting-edge, Revolutionary

Antonyms: Conventional, Traditional, Mainstream

Examples:
  • The artist's avant-garde paintings challenged the established norms of the art world.
  • The avant-garde musician created a unique sound that defied genre categorization.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "avant-garde" as "ahead of the guard," representing ideas and methods that go beyond what is currently accepted or familiar.

Etymology:

Origin:

French, from avant ('before') + garde ('guard')

Historical Usage:

The term originated in the late 19th century and was widely used in the early 20th century to refer to artists and movements that were pushing boundaries and challenging traditional artistic norms.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Avant-garde art"

Explanation:

Refers to unconventional, groundbreaking, or experimental art that often defies mainstream aesthetic standards.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Avant-garde is the same as modern or contemporary art.

Explanation:

While avant-garde art can be modern or contemporary, not all modern or contemporary art is avant-garde. Avant-garde specifically refers to art that breaks away from established norms and conventions, which may or may not be present in other forms of modern or contemporary art.

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