Why do you think there have been so many art styles and art movements over time?

Question:

Why do you think there have been so many art styles and art movements over time?

for instance all the isms...Romanticism, impressionism.....

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

People continue to evolve, and they continually want something new. The world changes and art reflects the changes in society, which includes economics, political thought, philosophies. To truly understand the content of art (not how it's put together), you have to study the historical context of its time.

If you're truly interested in doing some homework, look at the following: The Swing by Fragonard and Guernica by Picasso. After you look up the paintings, look up the society of the painter, the events that inspired the painting, what was going on in history around them. That should make it very clear.