What is an art movement?

An art movement is a named current of style and conviction — a group of artists, loosely or tightly bound, pushing art in the same direction at the same time. Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism: each began as a rebellion against what came before, hardened into a style you can recognize at a glance, and eventually became the establishment the next movement rebelled against.

Movements are the "-isms" of art history. They usually come with a manifesto (written or implied), a signature look, a few ringleaders, and a short, intense lifespan — most burn brightly for a decade or two.