Contemporary art is recent generations and our generations “originals”. Basically, Contemporary Art is classified as being art composed since the 1970’s until present, or, since World War II to present day. The Contemporary classification came essentially when Modern art (17th century to the 1960’s generally) transitioned to classification as Post Modernism. Contemporary art also became a new classification or movement when art in the 1970’s began to shift away from what was at the time “art”, artistic ideas, and relatively leaving behind the styles of the past to explore the world as it was known at the time. Art around that time was emerging into new ideas and techniques for example.
“Contemporary art challenges us.. it broadens our horizons. It asks us to think beyond the limits of conventional wisdom.”
Eli Broad, American philanthropist and art collector
Just as art throughout history has been influenced by multiple, complex, social, religious, political, technological, and scientific advances, theories and philosophies, so has Contemporary Art. Society both at home and internationally (exposed through media for example) is especially rich in ideas and complexity giving rise to endless inspirations. Contemporary art is showing explorations of deep, soulful interpretations of our world in nature, human interaction, social movements and the future to name a few in truly fascinating forms.
“It doesn't matter how the paint is put on, as long as something is said.”
Jackson Pollock, famous American Abstract Expressionist artist
Being that art forms have come so far, Contemporary Art is the most exciting. Contemporary art is demonstrated in many forms such as drawings, painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and even in street art (to some also known as graffiti), computer generations, prints, and lighting. All of which in their own way capture with originality a sense of so many intense emotions and gripping ideas. The diversity of Contemporary art also redefines, often, thoughts on what is art. Who is to say what is art? "Art" to one person isn't so much "art" to the next.....art shouldn't be stiffled by being analyzed to crumpled mess, figuratively speaking. The way art has grown in fantastic demonstration and ways of incorporating other techniques and forms is also very exciting. For example, photography can also be abstract, not just painting.
Being that you’ve found this site, you obviously have an interest in contemporary art. I encourage you to explore this site and leisurely learn about contemporary art and some of its forms. I also hope you will be engaged to further explore the many other forms and styles that may not present here at this time. I’m sure you will find the same excitement about art today as so many others have! Art truly is gorgeous and amazing in its many forms!
