While its title is simplistic and straightforward, its modern-day meaning is not as clear-cut.
What is Contemporary Art?
Many of contemporary art’s guiding principles began long before this, however.
Yayoi Kusama, “Yellow Pumpkin,” 1994 (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Adam Rifi/Shutterstock)
To trace its evolution, let’s take a look at themajor movementsand important artists that compose its history.
In post-war Britain and America,Pop Artwas pioneered by artists likeAndy WarholandRoy Lichtenstein.
It is defined by an interest in portraying mass culture and reimagining commercial products as accessible art.
Chihuly Garden and Glass in the Seattle Center (Photo:Stock Photosfrom ApinBen4289/Shutterstock)
In conceptual art, theideabehind a work of art takes precedence.
Major conceptual artists includeDamien Hirst,Ai Wei Wei, andJenny Holzer.
According to theTate, both movements challenged the existing structures for making, disseminating and viewing art.
Andy Warhol, “Flowers” (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Radu Bercan/Shutterstock)
Beginning in the 1960s and retaining its popularity today, performance art is a drama-inspired approach to art.
Instead, its goal is to convey a message or idea.
Predominant performance artists includeMarina Abramovic,Yoko Ono, andJoseph Beuys.
Portrait of Chuck Close (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Rushay/Shutterstock)
Installations are three-dimensional constructions that transform their surroundings and alter viewers' perceptions of space.
Well-known installation artists includeYayoi Kusama,Dale Chihuly, andBruce Munro.
This includescode-generated art, which can produce everything from abstract pieces to futuristic vector portraits.
Ai Wei Wei, “Circle of Animals/ Zodiac Heads,” 2010 (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Alisa_Ch/Shutterstock)
Crypto art,which takes advantage of blockchain technology, has been picking up steam since 2020.
Crypto art is allowing digital artists to monetize work that may have been previously difficult to sell.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has developed a signature approach to her craft.
Donald Judd, “Untitled,” 1973 (Photo:Stock Photosfrom Todamo/Shutterstock)
The Serbian American artist thinks of the human body as the point of departure for any spiritual development.
Instead, the activist is viewed as a threat to the harmonious society.
She gained widespread acclaim when she was nominated for the prestigious Turner Prize in 1999 forMy Bed.
Photo: Shelby Lessig viaWikimedia Commons(Public domain)
In addition to these famous figures, many up-and-comingcontemporary artistsare stunning the world with their original approach to art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines contemporary art?
This time period typically refers to the second half of the 20th century and onwards into the 21st century.
Yayoi Kusama, “Gleaming Lights of the Souls,” 2008 (Photo:Stock Photosfrom ephst/Shutterstock)
How do you know if art is contemporary?
Art is considered contemporary if it was made in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
What are some common themes explored by contemporary art?
Robert Smithson, “Spiral Jetty” (Photo: Public domain viaWikimedia Commons)
While contemporary art encompasses a wide array of concepts, there are some common themes.
Keith Haring, “The Pisa’s Mural, 1989 (Photo:Stock Photosfrom peepy/Shutterstock)
Photo:Stock Photosfrom mundissima/Shutterstock
Photograph of Yayoi Kusama, 2016 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons,CC BY 4.0)
Photo of Marina Abramović, 2018 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 2.0)
From left to right: Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Bruno Bischofberger, and Fransesco Clemente, 1984 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 4.0)
Photo: Sodacan viaWikimedia Commons(Public domain)
Photo: Piers Allardyce viaWikimedia Commons(CC BY 2.0)
Photo:Stock Photosfrom mujiri/Shutterstock
