Modern art is a term used to describe artworks created from the late 19th century until the present day. It is sometimes referred to as contemporary art, and encompasses a range of artistic styles, movements, and mediums.
Modern art can be difficult to define as it is constantly evolving and changing with the times. However, there are five main methods used to describe modern art:
1. Formal Analysis: This involves analyzing the formal qualities of an artwork such as its color, line, shape, texture, balance, and composition. This type of analysis helps to understand how the artist has used these elements to create an overall effect or message.
2. Iconography: Iconography is a method of interpreting symbols and images within an artwork in order to uncover meaning or messages that may not be obvious at first glance. For example, a painting may include items that symbolize something else such as religion or politics.
3. Contextual Analysis: This method looks at how an artwork fits into its time period and culture by exploring its historical background and socio-political context. For example, examining an artwork against the backdrop of events taking place at the time it was created can give insight into what the artist was trying to communicate through their work.
4. Semiotic Analysis: This method examines how signs and symbols convey meaning within an artwork in order to discover hidden meanings or messages that may not be immediately apparent upon viewing it. For example, certain colors or shapes may have specific meanings associated with them that can shed light on what the artist was trying to communicate through their work.
5 . Psychological Analysis: This type of analysis looks at how an artwork affects its viewers on a psychological level by exploring emotions such as fear, joy or sadness elicited by viewing it. This can help uncover deeper layers of meaning behind an artwork which might not be obvious through other methods of analysis.
Conclusion:
The five main methods used to describe modern art are formal analysis, iconography, contextual analysis, semiotic analysis and psychological analysis – each providing valuable insights into understanding what lies beneath the surface of an artwork’s visual language and helping us better appreciate its complexity and beauty.