What Is the Purpose of Modern and Contemporary Art?

Art|Modern Art

Modern and contemporary art are two distinct yet interrelated art forms. Modern art refers to artistic works produced during the period from the 1860s to the late 1970s.

Contemporary art, on the other hand, refers to art created after the 1970s up until the present day. Despite their differences in time period, both modern and contemporary art forms have one common purpose: to challenge our preconceived notions of what is considered “art” and to allow us to see new perspectives.

Modern art was created as a reaction to traditional academic styles of painting and sculpture. It aimed to break away from traditional conventions by embracing new technologies, materials, and an overall more abstract approach. Artists such as Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, and Marcel Duchamp championed this movement with their unorthodox works that pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the world of fine art.

Contemporary art developed from modern art as a response to its own set of challenges. Contemporary artists sought to explore new ways of creating work that spoke directly to our current times, reflecting on topics such as social injustice, globalisation and materialism. Artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Barbara Kruger, Ai Weiwei and Banksy have all been influential in creating iconic works that address these issues in unique ways.

In short, modern and contemporary art both strive towards a single goal: To challenge existing notions of what can be considered “art” and inspire viewers with fresh ideas and perspectives. By examining the world around them through an artistic lens, modern and contemporary artists have been able to create works that are thought provoking and visually stimulating.

Conclusion: The purpose of modern and contemporary art is twofold; firstly it serves as a means for artists to express themselves creatively by challenging traditional expectations of what constitutes “art”; secondly it provides viewers with fresh perspectives on issues relevant to our times. Ultimately it is up to each individual artist or viewer how they choose interpret or interpret these works; but one thing remains true – modern and contemporary art will continue to inspire us all for years to come.