How important is the art of our time? Take a look at these two paintings:
We can clearly see that the technique and the motive for creating art are further apart than ever. Contemporary art is often criticized as child’s play, and the cry of “I could have done that myself” is a reason for many people to become frustrated by what is being created.
But what are the reasons to say that contemporary art actually is artistically valuable and important?
The importance of change in art
Art says something about the time in which we live and how we perceive things.
Previously, attention to detail and craftsmanship determined whether art was considered good or “bad” in the eyes of society. Additionally, religious, natural, and historical subjects were what artists made art from.
Now it seems to work almost the other way around, where a traditional, realistic approach to craftsmanship is seen as outdated.
Why?
Because in our society, new things are happening that require a different approach. Artists at this time chose to leave much of the interpretation to the viewer.
After all, art is always a reflection of the artist and their interpretation of life.
This interpretation, which is often minimalist and abstract, emerged around 1900. Before that, precise craftsmanship was the most important aspect of portraying the realism of the world. This changed again when movements like Impressionism and Dadaism emerged, where certain elements like light or color were enlarged or distorted.
The pillars of contemporary art
There are several characteristics of today’s art that can always be found.
The greatest characteristic of contemporary art, in comparison to all previous art movements, is that artists have almost limitless conceptual freedom, detached from a fixed style or technique.
- Breaking taboos: Because the story that defines a contemporary artwork is determined by the artist and not by culture, breaking the silence on certain subjects is something that often occurs. Think of Andres Serrano’s ‘Piss Christ‘, in which he submerged a painting of a crucified Jesus in urine. This naturally brought about some controversy from various segments of society.
- Searching for new things: Art no longer adheres to fixed rules because the possibilities are endless. Why would you say you can’t do something? This grants the freedom to create beautiful as well as dull and ugly things, with the underlying idea as the guiding principle.
- Redefining the meaning of art: Because art is always evolving, no step is too far. Marcus Harvey thought the same when he exhibited a portrait of a woman who had murdered her own children. The criticism that followed was not unexpected for the creator and may have been a deliberate part of the ‘artwork.’
Anything exhibited as art is, by definition, art. However contradictory that may sometimes seem.
- Crossing lines and questioning normalities: Depicting in art is a perfect instrument for asking questions and making people rethink things. Especially about cultural and societal subjects, such as Ai Weiwei‘s ‘Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn,’ in which he drops an ancient Chinese Dynasty vase to challenge the norms and values of Chinese society.
- Nothing more than what art has always been: However, contemporary art isn’t always just ‘abstract’ or minimalist. Plenty of paintings are still created that resemble traditional techniques. David Hockney’s work ‘Portrait of an Artist‘ was auctioned for a staggering $90 million in 2018.
Art has always had the role of reflecting on ourselves and society. In the past, religion and cultural narratives were the primary themes incorporated into nearly all artworks. Now, we see that what occupies the artist’s mind is paramount in determining what the artwork becomes.
Why art has more to do with society than ever before
The reason for that is that the emotions, opinions, and views of the artist take center stage in the end result of an artwork, not the religious beliefs of a culture or significant historical events. After all, why should we set boundaries on what art can or cannot be?
This is the essence of what contemporary art is and, therefore, has much more to do with the individualistic society we have at this time.
As a result, the concept behind an artwork quickly resonates with the thoughts and ideas of people, sometimes to address issues or to find humor in things.
Contemporary art is highly controversial
However, opinions are highly divided about the art displayed today. Well, art? Often, they are simply objects or components with an underlying story intended to captivate the viewer.
Not everyone can relate to this, which is perfectly understandable. Shouldn’t art be beautiful and understandable?
This illustrates how strongly the definition of art has changed. It requires a different approach from us.
The abstract and minimalist techniques used today do not mean that today’s artists lack skill or craftsmanship. Over time, it was simply decided that the “realistic approach” of centuries ago had run its course, which is partly logical.
However, it’s still not reasonable to expect everyone to attach value to the underlying idea or story when the artwork itself doesn’t mean much to them…
What you need to understand about contemporary art
- To give contemporary art a chance, it’s important to let go of the comparison you can make with the craftsmanship that artists valued in 1820.
Use your imagination. Art gives you the freedom to not only create your own story but also to contemplate the character and ideas of the artist within the artwork itself. Sometimes, it may indeed seem uninteresting, but art is precisely one of the most powerful means to convey a thought or message.
The Era of Installations
Where the Louvre is filled with paintings from the classical period, a modern art museum is more likely to be filled with installations of various sizes.
This also characterizes the artists of this era. They are not just artists but also designers and inventors who can engage in multiple disciplines, such as photography, painting, and architecture.
Installations are interactive
Art is meant to be looked at, but that seems to have changed now. Art creators appear to be experimenting more with viewer interaction. Often, it’s now possible to walk through installations or use technology to alter the artwork.
These installations thus create a stronger connection with the viewer, erasing the idea of “hands off and just look,” which art traditionally conveys.
Yet it remains art
Why? Because the artist intended it as ‘art.’ That’s the only reason and THE difference from, for example, an innovation or invention.
Why Is This Artform Here To Stay?
Today’s art is also called avant-garde, which stands for experimentation and discovering new methods. This concept applies to literature and music as well. Because it leaves much to the imagination and offers artists more challenges, the possibilities are endless.
Art remains interesting because experimentation is now seen as a must for the artist.
The downside of this kind of art
Often, a ‘new way’ of looking at or approaching art eventually becomes outdated. At some point, people become familiar with the trick and are ready for a different form of artistic expression.
- You can see this now as well, where contemporary art often remains interesting for a certain type of audience, those within the art world itself.
For the ‘average person’ who is looking for approachable art, there is a good chance that an even greater divide will emerge between those who are interested and those who have had enough.
Everything has its time
Every movement, whether it’s Expressionism or Dadaism, has its peak in popularity. Afterward, new forms of expression take precedence, and what already existed recedes into the background.
The same will happen with contemporary art. New ideas or styles will capture significant attention and serve as a new way to inspire other artists.
Final Thoughts
Whether contemporary art is important largely depends on how much value you place on this form of creative expression. Because the subjects and forms of this art can be so diverse, it’s impossible to derive value or inspiration from everything.
“Art is not thinking, but doing. Art is not a demonstration of craftsmanship but an expression of feeling.”
