Modern art and contemporary art have many similarities and differences. Modern art refers to the period from the 1860s to 1970s, while contemporary art is thought to have begun in the 1970s and continues today.
Both styles of art are highly individualistic, but modern art tends to be more abstract, while contemporary art is often more grounded in reality.
Modern art was a reaction against traditional academic styles and techniques, which had become stale and outdated. It sought to create more expressive pieces that weren’t bound by the rules of the past.
Artists like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky used bold colors, shapes, and lines to express emotion.
On the other hand, contemporary art is an extension of modernism. It’s often associated with postmodernism, which challenges traditional notions of reality and truth.
Contemporary artists often use mixed media techniques in order to create unique works that reflect current political or social issues. Examples include Damien Hirst’s installation pieces or Yayoi Kusama’s infinity mirror rooms.
The main differences between modern and contemporary art are:
- Style: Modern art is often more abstract with bold colors and shapes, while contemporary art tends to be more realistic with mixed media techniques.
- Time Frame: Modern art dates from the 1860s-1970s; contemporary art began in the 1970s.
- Subject Matter: Modern artists sought to create emotionally expressive works; contemporary artists explore a variety of themes such as politics or social issues.
In conclusion, modern and contemporary art both explore individual expression but differ in style, time frame, and subject matter. Modern artists sought to challenge traditional academic styles by creating bolder works with more emotion; meanwhile, contemporary artists explore a variety of themes through mixed media techniques.