An Excursion into Contemporary Art
Delve into the thriving realm of contemporary art—a global, dynamic, and labyrinthine expanse saturated with diverse styles, boundless techniques, and a ceaseless cascade of perspectives. It's an art scene born of today, taking root in the fertile soil of an era awash with tumultuous social-political tides and a cornucopia of accessible information. Dive deep into the art of the now, through the annals of its history, the enigma of its defining characteristics, the grandeur of its major movements, its flag-bearers, its rippling societal impact, and much more.
Contemporary Art: The Quintessence
Encompassing art birthed in the latter half of the 20th century and ripening in the crucible of our present day, Contemporary Art sidesteps rigid stylistic confines, instead celebrating diversity, echoing the voices of today's society, and triumphantly wielding a panoply of novel mediums and techniques.
The Genesis and Progression of Contemporary Art
Coined to denote the 'art of the moment', the term 'contemporary' is broadly applied to art germinating in the post-World War II era, a time when artists dared to challenge entrenched norms, dared to push the boundaries of what art could be, dared to embrace the unknown. Thus, the evolution of contemporary art emerged—a series of daring escapades into movements like Postmodernism and Conceptual Art.
Characteristics of Contemporary Art: A Kaleidoscope
A Melange of Diversity
A hallmark is its embrace of heterogeneity. It revels in an absence of uniformity, bearing witness to the multifaceted nature of our societies.
Mirroring Modern Society and Culture
It often transmutes into a looking glass for modern society, casting a lens on burning social issues, ingrained cultural ethos, and momentous global occurrences.
The Arsenal of Mediums and Techniques
The canvas of Contemporary Art knows no bounds. From traditional materials such as paint and clay to technology-infused media and repurposed found objects—no medium is out of reach.
Pioneering Movements in Contemporary Art
Contemporary Art is punctuated by several groundbreaking movements:
Postmodernism
Postmodernism—a rebellion against the absolutes of modernism—revels in the embrace of complexity and the acceptance of contradiction.
Conceptual Art
Conceptual Art contends that the idea presides over the form. The concept, the seed of the work, holds greater import than the final art object.
Installation Art
Installation Art transforms spaces into immersive experiences, tailoring an environment to evoke specific moods or themes.
Performance Art
Performance Art—an often fleeting art form—harnesses the human body and the artistry of action.
Digital Art
Digital Art weaves digital technology into the creative process, evolving it into an indispensable component.
Famous Contemporary Artists
Ai Weiwei
Ai Weiwei—a provocateur—wields his art to chastise the Chinese government and to champion human rights.
Kara Walker
Through potent silhouettes, Kara Walker confronts and scrutinises the issues of race, gender, and violence.
Tania Bruguera
Tania Bruguera's oeuvre orbits around power and control, using the elements of installation and performance.
Jeff Koons
Jeff Koons is renowned for his gigantic artwork, kitsch sculptures, offering commentary on the nature of consumer culture.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Jean-Michel Basquiat's raw graffiti-style oeuvre delves into power structures and dichotomies, earning him widespread acclaim as one of the biggest artist of the 1980s of the neo-expressionist movement.
Tracey Moffatt
An indigenous Australian who's experimental stunning still and moving images deal with gender, sexuality and race.
Your can read more about the most influential artists here.
Contemporary Art's Ripple Effect on Society
Social Commentary and Critique
It serves as a conduit for social commentary and critique, unveiling insights into societal conundrums.
Cultural Representation and Identity Politics
Many contemporary artists mine the veins of cultural representation and identity politics, delving into themes of race, gender, and sexuality.
Globalisation and Art
The tremors of globalisation have reached the heart of art, sparking cross-cultural dialogues and influencing artistic practices.
The Landscape of Contemporary Art Market and Collecting Artwork
Understanding the Market
The market is an enigma, driven by a confluence of factors—from artists' reputations to market demand, to the perceived cultural value of the work.
Tips for Collecting:
Begin your journey into art collection with knowledge. Visit galleries, museums, and art fairs for contemporary art prints and original works. Let your personal tastes guide you, but remember, research before purchasing is key. If you're buying art as an investment then there are resources such as the artnet for historical pricing to see if the artist in on the rise. Personally we buy art for the feeling we'll have now and into the future. After all, a thing of beauty is a joy forever.
