What Makes Modern Art Different?

Art|Modern Art

Modern art is a term used to describe artistic works produced during the period from the 1860s to the 1970s. It covers a range of styles from Impressionism to Pop Art and is often associated with abstract art. Modern art is characterized by its use of new materials, techniques and forms of expression, as well as its rejection of traditional aesthetic values.

Use Of New Materials and Techniques – One of the key features of modern art is its use of new materials and techniques that had not been used before in art. The invention of photography, for example, enabled artists to explore new ways of seeing and representing their subjects. The use of industrial materials such as steel and glass, and the emergence of new media such as film and video also enabled artists to experiment with different forms of expression.

Rejection Of Traditional Aesthetic Values – Modern art was also characterized by its rejection of traditional aesthetic values, such as those associated with academic painting or sculpture. Instead, modern artists sought to express their ideas in ways that were more radical or experimental. For example, some modern artists rejected the idea that artwork should be realistic or representational, instead creating works that were completely abstract or purely symbolic.

Exploration Of New Ideas – Modern art was also characterized by its exploration of new ideas about society and culture. Many modern artists sought to challenge existing social conventions or comment on political issues through their work. This could involve the direct confrontation with social taboos, such as in Dadaism or Surrealism, or a more subtle critique through the use of symbols or metaphors in Abstract Expressionism.

Conclusion:

Modern art is distinguished from traditional art by its use of new materials and techniques, its rejection of traditional aesthetic values and its exploration of new ideas about society and culture. It is this combination which makes modern art different from other forms of visual expression.