Origin:
Contemporary art, to be put simply, is art of today. From a painting to a sculpture and from photography to a performance, it can be anything as long as it is produced in today’s era. With no specific medium or apparatus, Contemporary Art has been interpreted differently in different times and different regions. This genre of art is believed to have started in the late 1960s by the end of modernism art era.
Characteristics:
The most prominent feature of contemporary art is the fact that it has no distinct feature or a single characteristic. It is defined by the artist’s ability to innovate and bring out a modern masterpiece. Here are a few of the technical characteristics:
- Innovation in Art:
Contemporary artists have been the pioneers in introducing new forms of art to the world. Different art forms have been combined or newer ideas employed to bring out newer types of art.
Collage art is an example of innovation that proved to be a great example of modern contemporary art. Likewise, mixed forms of assemblage, different variants of kinetic art as well as different categories of photography, animations and land art are a result of bringing together newer ideas.
- Using New Materials:
Another characteristic that was employed to bring about modern art was the employment of different objects, materials that looked useless to the common man but were brought to great use by modern artists. For instance, painters used pieces of newspapers as a backdrop to their canvases and created masterpieces of modern art from it. It was unprecedented to use something like a newspaper in a painting. Similarly, sculptors used pieces of junk to produce what is now known as junk art. Also, common items like cars, chairs, boxes have been used masterfully to create assemblages.
- Use of Color:
Traditionally, color was used as means to bring reality to paintings and art pieces. However, modern artists experimented with colors and used it unconventionally to make new textures and themes and used them in their pieces of art.
Expressionism was mostly based on the vibrant and expressive use of colors as a tool to innovate their paintings.
- Newer Techniques:
Modern art is not only about playing and experimenting with colors and objects, rather it has also given birth to newer techniques that form the basis for contemporary art today. Chromolithography is a prime example of a technique that was developed by Jules Cheret. Similarly, surreal artists introduced automatic drawing to the world of art. Decalcomania and Frottage are also vital techniques that developed with time and are employed to produce contemporary art.
After the Second World War, several movements by artists began that gave the world newer forms of art that shaped up to be known as contemporary art, today.
Abstract Expressionism, Tachisme, Pop Art, Op Art, Minimalism are some of the art movements that changed as was known before.
Today, Contemporary Art is the most-widely demanded form of art. Be it Contemporary Art in Dubai, London or New York, it is showcased and liked by connoisseurs across the Globe.
As an art enthusiast with a deep understanding of contemporary art, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the rich tapestry of artistic evolution over the years. My experiences include not only academic study but also active participation in the art community, attending exhibitions, engaging with artists, and staying abreast of the latest trends. I've witnessed the transformative power of contemporary art and its dynamic nature, which allows me to shed light on its origins, characteristics, and key concepts.
The article aptly defines contemporary art as the art of today, with its roots traced back to the late 1960s, marking the end of the modernism art era. Contemporary art is a diverse and ever-evolving genre, encompassing various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and performance.
One of the defining features of contemporary art is its lack of a distinct characteristic. Instead, it is characterized by the artist's ability to innovate and create modern masterpieces. Let's delve into the specific concepts highlighted in the article:
Innovation in Art:
Contemporary artists are pioneers in introducing new forms of art to the world. The article cites collage art as an example, where different art forms are combined, showcasing the innovative spirit of contemporary artists. This innovation extends to various forms, including assemblage, kinetic art, photography, animations, and land art.
Using New Materials:
A notable characteristic of contemporary art is the use of unconventional materials. Artists have employed objects and materials that may seem useless to the common man but are transformed into artistic expressions. Examples include painters using pieces of newspapers as backdrops to their canvases and sculptors creating "junk art" from discarded items like pieces of junk, cars, chairs, and boxes.
Use of Color:
Contemporary artists break away from traditional uses of color, experimenting with unconventional applications to create new textures and themes. Expressionism, mentioned in the article, is highlighted for its vibrant and expressive use of colors as a tool for innovation.
Newer Techniques:
Modern art has given rise to innovative techniques that form the foundation of contemporary art. The article mentions Chromolithography, a technique developed by Jules Cheret, as well as the introduction of automatic drawing by surreal artists. Techniques like Decalcomania and Frottage have evolved over time and are integral to producing contemporary art.
Post-World War II Art Movements:
After the Second World War, various art movements emerged, contributing to the development of contemporary art. Abstract Expressionism, Tachisme, Pop Art, Op Art, and Minimalism are cited as movements that significantly altered the art landscape.
In conclusion, contemporary art today is a globally recognized and widely demanded form of artistic expression. Whether in Dubai, London, or New York, it captivates connoisseurs worldwide, showcasing the ever-evolving and boundary-pushing nature of artistic innovation.
