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 figures included writers like James Joyce and Virginia Woolf, who explored new narrative techniques and perspectives. In visual arts, modernism was characterized by movements such as Cubism and Futurism, with artists like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp challenging conventional representations. The movement reflected a desire to capture the complexities of modern life, often focusing on themes of alienation and fragmentation.