This book introduces the ideas of Modernism and their postmodern evolution in a clear and engaging argument that links the development of visual culture to the social and political conditions in which it is produced. It establishes key concepts and critical terms of reference at the outset before taking the reader through the evolution of the twentieth century's visual culture in a lively and approachable way. Art, design and architecture do not exist in a vacuum: rather, they are formed by the cultures from which they emerge. This book examines the way in which visual culture reflects its conceptual and physical origins in elite, and mass, cultural practices. As such it is an invaluable introductory text for students of art history and theory, architecture, design and cultural studies, as well as students in related humanities and social science subjects.