Are Modern Art and Contemporary Art the Same Thing?

Art|Modern Art

Modern art and contemporary art are often used interchangeably – but they do not mean the same thing. Modern art refers to artwork produced between the late 19th century and the 1970s, while contemporary art is created after the 1970s. Though both styles of artwork can be abstract, modern art is more focused on revolutionary ideas and objects, while contemporary art is more focused on expressing current events, ideas and values.

Modern art includes Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Expressionism and Pop Art. These styles of artwork were highly innovative for their time and pushed boundaries in terms of technique and subject matter.

Modernists sought to create something new, challenging accepted conventions in order to explore new possibilities.

Contemporary art has been defined as artwork created from the 1970s to present day – though some critics argue that it should only include artwork made within the last 10 years. Contemporary artists often use a variety of mediums such as painting, photography and mixed media to explore current political issues or social themes. They provoke thought by challenging accepted conventions and exploring a wide range of topics from identity to consumerism.

In conclusion, modern art was an avant-garde style that was highly innovative for its time period. Contemporary art has continued this tradition by pushing boundaries in terms of technique and subject matter while exploring current events, ideas and values. So while modern art and contemporary art are both abstract forms of visual expression they are two distinct styles with different goals in mind.