What is contemporary art?
Published 23 May 2024 in Art for All
by Nolan Stevens
What is contemporary art, really?
If you're curious about art, learning the difference between modern and contemporary art will help you understand what you see in galleries and online. This understanding allows you to build a deeper connection with any artwork you’re looking at or looking to buy.
At the end of the day, it’s all about context, because without that vital component you can’t really evaluate the significance or value of an artwork in front of you.
We hope that this explainer on ‘contemporary’ art helps you grow your knowledge about art. By doing so, we believe you’ll be able to build a greater appreciation for local art and the stories and themes behind them.
Andy Warhol
Modern art isn’t really ‘modern’?
Throughout history, new art movements have been given terms to help identify the iconic styles and forms that define them. Two of the more ‘recent’ styles are broadly defined as Modern Art (roughly 1860s - 1970s) and Contemporary Art (from the 1950s onward).
Here's a brief summary of key art movements and themes
Modern Art
1. Impressionism (1860s-1890s): Artists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas emphasised light and colour, often capturing fleeting moments in their paintings.
2. Post-Impressionism (1880s-1910s): Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin expanded on Impressionism, focusing more on symbolism and bold use of colour.
3. Cubism (1907-1920s): Initiated by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, Cubism used fragmented forms to depict subjects from multiple angles.
4. Surrealism (1920s-1940s): Artists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte explored the subconscious and dreams, creating bizarre, dreamlike scenes.
5. Abstract Expressionism (1940s-1950s): American artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko used gestural brushstrokes and abstraction to express emotion and spontaneity.
Jackson Pollock
Contemporary Art
1. Pop Art (1950s-1960s): Led by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Pop Art embraced popular culture imagery, from comic strips to commercial products.
2. Minimalism (1960s-1970s): Artists like Donald Judd and Agnes Martin focused on simplicity with geometric shapes and clean lines.
3. Conceptual Art (1960s-1970s): Emphasised the idea over the final product, as seen in works by Sol LeWitt and Joseph Kosuth.
4. Performance Art (1960s-present): Artists like Marina Abramović and Yoko Ono used live performances to challenge the boundaries of art.
5. Street Art (1970s-present): Graffiti artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy use public spaces to communicate social and political messages.
6. Digital Art (1980s-present): Utilises digital technologies and virtual platforms, from computer-generated images to video installations.
Modern art was born during a time of industrial growth, political shifts, and social change.
Artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí wanted to challenge the conventions of academic art and embraced new, innovative approaches. Movements like Impressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism broke away from strict realism and focused on capturing emotions, dreams, abstract forms, and fragmented perspectives. This created an artistic revolution that changed how people viewed art and the world.
Marina Abramovic
So, what is contemporary art?
Contemporary art began in the late 20th century and continues to evolve. Artists today are part of a world that's more connected, tech-savvy, and culturally diverse.
Their work tackles global issues like climate change, social justice, and identity politics, often experimenting with new digital tools, performance art, and unconventional materials.
Unlike modern art, contemporary art doesn’t stick to one style or movement. Instead, it’s a broad conversation where every voice adds something unique, challenging us to question our assumptions and think critically.
Jean-Michel-Basquiat
Learning about these distinctions allows you to engage with art on a deeper level. Understanding how artists reflect the world they live in helps you connect emotionally to their work, whether they're critiquing political issues or exploring personal themes like identity and family.
You'll see the links between past and present, gaining a richer understanding of how creative ideas evolved over time.
Next time you're at a gallery or browsing online, you'll appreciate why certain pieces look the way they do and how they fit into a broader artistic conversation. You'll notice the bold experimentation of modern artists breaking away from tradition and how contemporary artists build on this legacy while addressing new challenges.
Whether you're an art enthusiast or just starting your journey, knowing these differences will make your exploration more enjoyable and meaningful.
Banksy