The Shock of the New(1980)

Art and the century of change.

The Shock of the New is a landmark eight-part documentary series presented by Australian art critic Robert Hughes. The series traces the rise and fall of the modern art movement, examining how artists revolutionized visual culture across the twentieth century. Hughes guides viewers through pivotal moments in art history, from Cubism and Surrealism to Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, exploring the radical ideas that challenged convention and reshaped how we see the world. With his distinctive voice and deep knowledge, Hughes unpacks the relationship between art, politics, and society, revealing how modernism emerged from upheaval and eventually became establishment. The Shock of the New remains an essential exploration of artistic innovation and cultural transformation, offering both newcomers and enthusiasts a compelling journey through one of history's most dynamic periods.