This week in Modernity: Art and Ideas, we explored aspects of the transition from illusionism to abstraction that is a hallmark of modernity. In the wake of Cubism, a host of other "isms" were born, some of which to our eyes may appear "much of a muchness." But those involved were deeply earnest in their belief that their "ism" (Futurism, Orphism, Synchromism, Vorticisim, Rayonism, Suprematism, Constructivism and so on and so on...) was a unique contribution to the new modern vision, quite distinct (and better) than what that other group over there was doing! Stanton Macdonald-Wright, for example, declared that Synchromism"has nothing to do with Orphism and anybody who has read the first catalogue of Synchromism ... would realize that we poked fun at Orphism."1. Oh.

1. An interview of Stanton Macdonald-Wright conducted 1964 Apr. 13-Sept. 16, by Betty Hoag, for the Archives of American Art New Deal and the Arts Project.

https://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/interviews/oral-history-interview-stanton-macdonaldwright-11673