Various forms of artistic expression exist, with one of these being contemporary art. This term may prompt curiosity regarding its precise nature. In essence, contemporary art encompasses all modern artistic endeavors such as painting, sculpture, photography, installation, performance, and video art produced in the present era. Nevertheless, the clarity of this definition is often compromised due to the subjective nature of what constitutes the contemporary, as perceptions of the present can vary significantly among individuals. According to scholars of art history, the emergence of contemporary art likely occurred during the late 1960s or early 1970s.
A fundamental characteristic inherent to contemporary art is its commitment to experimentation. Artists predominantly engage in experimentation to explore their ideas, thought processes, visions, and even dreams within the realm of contemporary art creation. This art form is both demanding and thought-provoking as contemporary artists amalgamate elements from the past and present, two-dimensional and three-dimensional perspectives. They employ the past as a lens to comprehend the current milieu, thereby crafting art that beckons us towards the future.
In the contemporary epoch, artists labor within a dominant, multicultural, and technologically advancing global context. Consequently, their artwork constitutes a dynamic fusion of materials, concepts, methods, and subjects, continuously pushing the boundaries of the modern world. This genre of art is distinguished by its remarkable absence of uniformity, organizing principles, or dogmatic ideologies, owing to its inherent diversity and breadth. Thus, for individuals who do not possess an artistic background, interpreting contemporary art and its diverse manifestations can be a formidable challenge.
Contemporary art exudes inspiration and visual appeal. On occasion, it serves as a source of motivation and insight, propelling artists towards personal growth and refinement. These artists, utilizing an extensive array of mediums, diligently strive to mirror the intricate issues that exert a profound influence on our swiftly evolving contemporary world.
Within the realm of contemporary art, various styles and genres exist, each offering distinct insights into the artistry. Some of these styles are briefly elucidated below for a more expedient comprehension of contemporary artwork.
Abstract Art:
Abstract art refers to artistic creations derived from unconventional elements such as shapes, formats, and geometric patterns. Primarily departing from the portrayal of recognizable figures and landscapes, this form of art encapsulates notions of purity, spirituality, and simplicity. Abstract art revolves around the intricate interplay of patterns, colors, compositions, lines, processes, and textures. Often referred to as non-objective or concrete art, abstract art typically transcends representational conventions. For over a century, abstract art has been a source of inspiration for its viewers. One of its most captivating attributes lies in its openness to interpretation; it beckons individuals with inquisitive and receptive minds to delve into its multifaceted compositions.
Jackson Pollock, Convergence, 1952. Image courtesy of jackson-pollock.org.
Figurative Art:
Figurative art pertains to contemporary artistic expressions that authentically convey real-world narratives through the depiction of human figures. In this genre, the portrayal of life's essence is accomplished through the imaginative rendering of characters. Figurative art often synergizes with other artistic styles, such as abstract, cubist, and minimalist forms, resulting in the creation of remarkable masterpieces. In the contemporary landscape, the utilization of figurative art, featuring human figures or animals, serves as a distinguishing factor that sets representational works apart from abstract art. Throughout history, renowned artists have employed figurative art as a means to articulate profound intellectual concepts. Some artists have employed this style to depict subjects from the real world, while others have used it to illuminate cultural values through various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and portraits.
Oath of the Horatii, by Jacques-Louis David (1784, Louvre, Paris) Image courtesy Wikimedia
Surrealist Art:
Surrealist art denotes an artistic and philosophical movement that thrived in Europe during the interwar period between World War I and II, known as Surrealism. The central focus of Surrealist art lies in the exploration of irrational and subconscious ideas. Surrealist artists delight in experimenting with various forms and objects as vehicles for expressing their internalized thoughts. This genre of art typically showcases mesmerizing visuals and visionary imagery, capturing the essence of surrealist aesthetics.
The Persistence of Memory – Salvador Dali
Minimalist Art:
Minimalist art constitutes a subset of abstract art characterized by its deliberate use of minimal elements. The development of Minimalist art gave rise to a distinct movement in the art world. Minimalist artists aimed to distance themselves from the expressive qualities of Abstract Expressionism, perceiving those works as excessively extravagant and emotionally charged, veering away from the true essence of art. In stark contrast to abstract artists, Minimalist practitioners employed only uncomplicated lines and forms. Consequently, all facets of expression, personal biography, intricate subject matter, and social agendas were stripped away, allowing viewers to interpret their creations purely for their intrinsic beauty and truth. The primary objective of this art form is to represent reality without imitation. Minimalist art encapsulates various aspects of the tangible world, including individuals, emotions, sentiments, experiences, and landscapes.
Frank Stella, Whitney Museum, Gansevoort Street, New York City. Image courtesy of John St John.
Still Life Art:
Still life art encompasses the representation of static arrangements, both in paintings and sculptures, and holds a pivotal position in the canon of Western art. The essence of still life art primarily centers around inanimate objects. This genre of artwork encompasses a wide array of subjects, encompassing virtually all categories of human-made or natural objects, including vegetables, fruits, culinary fare, and various lifeless items. In contemporary art, the purpose of still life art extends to depicting the celebration of material pleasures while serving as a poignant reminder to viewers of the transient nature of human existence.
Pieter Claesz, Dutch 1628 courtesy of The MET Museum New York
Pop Art:
Pop Art stands as one of the most renowned artistic movements born out of the pervasive influences of consumerism, commercial cultures, and mass media. This form of artistic expression employs everyday objects, such as newspapers, road signs, beverage cans, comic strips, and other ubiquitous items from the commercial sphere, to communicate its messages. In the realm of Pop Art, artists possess the liberty to incorporate images of celebrities, brand names, and even corporate logos into their artworks. Artists enjoy complete creative freedom, drawing inspiration from an expansive array of sources and objects. The hallmark of Pop Art lies in its utilization of vibrant and vivid colors, rendering it instantly recognizable among the pantheon of iconic art movements. Within this genre, artists harness the elements of irony and humor to convey their messages effectively. Modern-day artists employ a diverse range of materials and various forms of media to manifest their artistic creations.
Andy Warhol – Marilyn Monroe, 1962
Geometric Art:
Geometric Art, as the name aptly implies, is a genre of art deeply rooted in the principles of geometry. This contemporary artistic style draws inspiration from geometry and relies on a diverse array of geometric elements, including shapes, lines, angles, and points. It employs a rich assortment of geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, circles, and rectangles, which are intricately combined to create complex forms and objects. Geometric art designs can manifest in various dimensions, sizes, and variations.
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, oil on canvas by Pablo Picasso, 1907 at Museum of Modern Art patrons. Image Phil Roeder
The origins of Geometric Art can be traced back to as early as the 9th century BC, notably during the Greek period. Evidence of this artistic inclination is found in the presence of concentric circles and various geometric shapes adorning their vases and paintings from that era.
Typography Art:
Typography art is a modern artistic style that harnesses both classical and contemporary typography to compose text in a manner that effectively communicates a specific message. This form of art employs letters of the alphabet to convey particular emotions, techniques, and brand identities. In essence, typography art revolves around the skillful arrangement of letters to create visual compositions. It stands as a pivotal element within contemporary art and holds significant importance in both the print and web design industries, shaping the visual landscape of modern communication.
Natalia Maca
Sculpture Art:
Sculpture art refers to a three-dimensional artistic form created through four fundamental processes: carving, modeling, casting, and constructing. Carving, one of these techniques, involves the use of various tools to shape a solid material, such as wood or stone. Casting, on the other hand, entails the creation of a mold into which a liquid material is poured to take the desired form. In the modeling phase, artists fashion shapes using pliable materials like clay or wax. Finally, the process of constructing and assembling involves methods such as stitching, folding, weaving, bending, welding, and other techniques to construct sculptures.
Woman from the French Colonies, Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier (French, 1827–1905) - Pedestal attributed to designs by Charles-François Rossigneux (French, 1818–afer 1909)
These diverse processes collectively constitute the realm of art, offering a multifaceted approach to artistic expression within the contemporary art landscape.