Futurism

/ˈfjuːtʃərɪzəm/ noun

Definition

An artistic and literary movement of the early 20th century that celebrated speed, violence, technology, and dynamism while rejecting traditional art forms.

Etymology

From future + -ism suffix; coined by Italian poet Filippo Marinetti in 1909 to describe the revolutionary avant-garde movement.

Kelly Says

Futurism is a stunning example of how a movement celebrating the future became historically trapped in its own time—its aesthetic screams 'early 1900s,' and many futurists' embrace of fascism and violence shows how dangerous 'progress worship' can become.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Futurism (1909–1944) was an avant-garde movement founded by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti that explicitly celebrated violence, war, and male aggression while dismissing women's contributions to art and culture. Women Futurists like Valentine de Saint-Point and Benedetta Carra were sidelined in historical accounts, and the movement's ideology actively opposed feminist thought.

Inclusive Usage

When discussing futurism as an art movement, acknowledge women artists' participation and challenge its violent ideology. Credit women Futurists like Benedetta Carra and Valentine de Saint-Point in historical narratives.

Inclusive Alternatives

["modernism","avant-garde","early 20th-century art movements"]

Empowerment Note

Women Futurists like Benedetta Carra created significant art within this male-dominated movement despite its explicit anti-feminist stance. Their work deserves equal historical prominence.

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