What Is Contemporary Art?

Contemporary art is a broad field of visual arts, which evolved in the late 1960s. It is now characterized by a variety of practices, strategies, and aesthetic ideals stemming from different sources such as media, technology, popular culture, and performance. It is often marked by a digital, media-based, and/or global nature, and explores subject matter as diverse as identity, science, and society. Contemporary art embraces all media, from traditional disciplines such as painting and sculpture, to digital and new media forms.

Generally speaking, contemporary art encompasses art produced after the Second World War up until the present day. It has roots in both modern art, which was the art of the 20th century, and the traditional forms of art, such as painting and sculpture. The term ‘contemporary’ is often used to refer to art that is being made now, but it doesn’t necessarily mean up-to-the-minute new. It is also used to refer to art produced within the last 50 years or so. It is a very broad term and covers a variety of styles, mediums, and commonly addresses issues related to contemporary society.

It is often difficult to define ‘contemporary art’ as the term itself has become increasingly used to describe art from very different periods. For example, the term is often used to describe art from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, but it is also often used to refer to work produced by artists working today. Additionally, contemporary art is not limited to the visual arts. It includes a broad range of practices in creative fields such as video, film, architecture, performance art, and design, as well as new media art forms.

Types of Contemporary Art

Contemporary art encompasses a wide range of art forms and movements. Here are some of the most common types of contemporary art:

  1. Installation Art: Installation art involves a larger amount of space, from galleries to entire houses, and can include a range of materials such as sound, light, and everyday objects. This type of art is often used to bring in the public, create a dialogue between the artwork and audience, and raise awareness of current cultural issues.

  2. Video Art: This type of art works with images projected on screens and installations that incorporate sound, light, and videos. Video art often makes use of digital technology, video cameras, and recording equipment and combines them to create a dynamic exploration of moving images.

  3. Performance Art: Performance art is a type of medium-less art form in which artists use their body to express their ideas. It could involve dance, theater, music, and visual arts. Performance art works with an audience and is often interactive in order to create a direct dialogue between artists and the public.

  4. Pop Art: This type of art movement became popular in the 1950s and 1960s and incorporates popular culture into the fine art world. It has become an iconic style that captures everyday objects and celebrities with bold colors, playful subject matter, and vibrant media.

  5. Street Art: Street art involves images, sculptures, and words spread around cities or other places. Artists like Banksy or Shepard Fairey have become famous for bringing graffiti and street art to the mainstream media.

Why Is Contemporary Art Important?

Contemporary art is important for society and is a reflection of the times that we live in, allowing people to draw their own conclusions from artwork and create their own meaning from the often ambiguous nature that art provides.

Contemporary art has the ability to push the boundaries of traditional art, exploring new ways of looking at the world and creating something unique. Through this, it can offer an engaging, thought-provoking, and often provocative, insight into the world around us.

Contemporary art is also an important part of the history of art and helps to understand our culture and its evolution. By studying art from different periods, one can gain an insight into the lives of people of the past, as well as how ideas, materials, and methods evolved.

Finally, contemporary art can bring together different cultures, communities, and generations through exhibitions, festivals, and other artistic events. It can bring people from all walks of life together, offering a platform for discussion and debate and a shared experience.

How Can You Invest In Contemporary Art?

Acquiring a piece of contemporary art is not just about aesthetics, it can also be a financial investment. Here are some steps to take when considering investing in contemporary art:

  1. Research artists: It’s important to research the works of different artists and those who have created similar art that you like. You should look at their past works and exhibitions and find out what galleries they are associated with.

  2. Visit galleries and exhibitions: Visiting galleries and art shows are invaluable ways of understanding the work and the artist, as well as creating a network of contacts.

  3. Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re interested in a piece, ask the gallery owner and artist questions about how it was made and its story.

  4. Track the market: Follow auction houses and sales, paying attention to which artworks are sold, the price they were sold for, and the artist’s current market value.

  5. Learn the basics of art valuation: Learning how to appraise a piece of art is vital for making informed investments. Calculate the costs for restoration, framing, and shipping, as well as the artwork’s condition.

Contemporary art is a broad field of art encompassing a range of expressions and practices since the late 1960s. It is a reflection of the times that we live in and has the ability to push the boundaries of traditional art, exploring new ways of looking at the world and creating something unique. It is also important for society and helps us to understand the culture, ideas, and materials of the past and connect different communities, cultures, and generations. Finally, if you’re looking to invest in contemporary art, make sure to research artists, visit galleries and exhibitions, and learn the basics of art valuation.