The Modernist Movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the rapid changes in society, technology, and culture. It sought to break away from traditional forms of art, literature, and architecture, emphasizing innovation and experimentation. Key characteristics include abstraction, fragmentation, and a focus on individual perception. Prominent figures in the movement include writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, as well as artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp. The movement influenced various disciplines, leading to new styles like Cubism in art and Stream of Consciousness in literature, reflecting the complexities of modern life.