What Is the Difference Between Modern Art and Contemporary Art?

Art|Modern Art

Modern art and contemporary art are two terms that are used to describe art that is being created today. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between the two.

Modern art refers to art produced during the period from the 1860s until the 1970s. This includes such movements as Impressionism, Cubism and Surrealism, which all had a major influence on the development of contemporary art.

Contemporary art, on the other hand, refers to art created from the 1970s onward. It is often characterized by a lack of traditional aesthetic rules and techniques, as artists have embraced new technologies, techniques and materials to create works that explore social issues and reflect on our current culture. Examples of this type of art can include performance art, digital art and installations.

The main difference between modern art and contemporary art lies in their respective dates of production: modern art refers to artwork created before 1970 while contemporary artwork refers to artwork created after 1970. Additionally, modern pieces tend to be more traditional in nature while contemporary pieces often experiment with new materials, concepts and technologies.

In conclusion, while both modern and contemporary artwork strive for creativity and innovation in their respective fields, they differ in both their production dates as well as their approach to aesthetics. By understanding these differences between modern and contemporary artwork we can better appreciate each for its unique qualities.