Is Contemporary the Same as Modern Art?

Art|Modern Art

Modern art and contemporary art are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Modern art refers to works of art produced between the 1860s and 1970s, while contemporary art is art made from the 1970s to present day.

Modern art is characterized by its use of traditional techniques such as painting and sculpture, as well as its bold use of color and shape. The works of modern artists were focused on exploring abstraction, expressionism, and surrealism. Artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Wassily Kandinsky were among some of the most influential figures in modern art.

Contemporary art has shifted away from traditional techniques and has become more experimental in nature. It often combines different media such as photography, video, installations, and digital technology. Contemporary artists often explore social issues such as racial inequality or environmental destruction through their artwork. Some notable contemporary artists include Yayoi Kusama, Banksy, David Hockney, and Ai Weiwei.

The main difference between modern and contemporary art lies in their approach to artistic expression. Modern artists sought to push the boundaries of artistic expression through abstraction while contemporary artists are more focused on exploring real-world issues through their work.

Despite this distinction, both forms of artwork are equally important in understanding the evolution of artistic expression throughout history. In many ways they are complementary; modern art provided a foundation for contemporary artwork that builds on the ideas established by its predecessors.

In conclusion, modern and contemporary art both serve a unique purpose in understanding how our views on visual arts have evolved over time. While there are some distinct differences between them – particularly in terms of subject matter – they both offer valuable insight into our ever-changing cultural landscape.

Is Contemporary Art the Same as Modern Art?

No, contemporary art is not the same as modern art; although there are similarities between them they differ in terms of their approach to artistic expression.