The term "Western avant-garde" refers to innovative and experimental movements in art, literature, and music that challenge traditional norms and conventions. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it encompasses various styles, including Dadaism, Surrealism, and Futurism. These movements often sought to provoke thought and inspire change, reflecting the social and political upheavals of their time. Avant-garde artists and thinkers aimed to push boundaries and explore new ideas, often using unconventional materials and techniques. Figures like Marcel Duchamp and Virginia Woolf exemplify this spirit of experimentation, influencing contemporary culture and paving the way for future artistic expressions.