avant-gardism

[ uh-vahnt-gahr-diz-uhm, uh-vant-, av-ahnt-, ah-vahnt- ]

noun

1. the attitudes, techniques, etc., of the cultural avant-garde.

Word History and Origins

Origin of avant-gardism¹

First recorded in 1945–50; avant-garde + -ism

Example Sentences

With chapters on Orthodox icons and Catholic cathedrals, Soviet avant-gardism and nationalist folk crafts, this book illustrates a culture whose very diversity now puts it in danger — and indeed some works pictured, such as stone statues near Kharkiv dating from the 9th to 13th century, have already been destroyed.

From New York Times

With chapters on Orthodox icons and Catholic cathedrals, Soviet avant-gardism and nationalist folk crafts, this book illustrates a culture whose very diversity now puts it in danger — and indeed some works pictured, such as stone statues near Kharkiv dating from the 9th to 13th century, have already been destroyed.

From New York Times

The expressive modern dance and melodrama of Lorde and Mitski, the elegant, subtly ferocious avant-gardism of FKA Twigs, Perfume Genius and Julia Holter — Bush’s influence abounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Gianvito’s formal approach is a species of leftist avant-gardism.

From New York Times

But as much as I am generally allergic to deliberately obscure avant-gardism, the kind that sniffs at anyone who can’t unpack the meaning of a portmanteau title composed of “sprezzatura” and “Decameron,” I found something usefully troubling, and specifically theatrical, about this commission from the Baryshnikov Arts Center.

From New York Times