Definition: A "modernist" is a noun that refers to an artist, writer, or thinker who wants to create work that is different from the traditional styles that came before. Modernists often explore new ideas and forms, breaking away from the past.
In literary contexts, modernism can refer to a specific period in the early 20th century when many writers experimented with new forms and ideas, such as stream-of-consciousness writing.
A modernist is someone who seeks to break away from traditional forms and embrace new ideas, especially in art and literature.