Introduction to Contemporary Arts || Modern Vs Contemporary Art

Summary

This video explores the concept of Contemporary Art, defining it as art created by living artists or those recently deceased. It emphasizes that Contemporary Art uses diverse media, from painting and sculpture to video and land art, often aiming to provoke thought on societal, political, and economic issues such as racism, global conflict, and feminism. The video contrasts Contemporary Art with Modern Art, highlighting the difference in their historical contexts—Modern Art spans from the 1880s to the 1970s, while Contemporary Art engages with current global challenges and utilizes new technologies and materials.

Takeaways

• 😀 Contemporary Art refers to art created by living artists or those who have recently passed or retired.
• 😀 The term 'contemporary' refers to things that are current or happening at the same time as something else, typically in the present day.
• 😀 Art is the expression of creativity and imagination through various forms and media, with the goal of evoking thought or emotion.
• 😀 Contemporary Art uses diverse materials, including non-traditional media like video, land art, and installations, which are not always shown in galleries.
• 😀 The message or idea behind contemporary art is often just as important as the artwork itself, and is meant to provoke thought or commentary.
• 😀 Common themes in contemporary art include racism, globalization, terrorism, oppression, poverty, and feminism, reflecting current social and political issues.
• 😀 The 21st-century contemporary art scene blends various forms such as performance, painting, sculpture, and dance to create dynamic and thought-provoking works.
• 😀 Modern Art, which was produced between the 1880s and 1970s, is not synonymous with contemporary art, as it refers to a specific historical period.
• 😀 The rise of technology since the end of the modernist period has allowed contemporary artists to explore new mediums and reach broader audiences.
• 😀 While modern art focuses on self-expression, contemporary art engages with society and addresses global issues, making it more socially and politically aware.

Q & A

What is the definition of the word 'contemporary'?

The word 'contemporary' means living or occurring at the same time, or belonging to the present, current period. It can also refer to a person or thing that exists at the same time as another.

How is 'art' defined in the script?

Art is defined as the expression of creativity and imagination by an artist through various techniques and media, producing works that fulfill a variety of purposes.

What is meant by 'contemporary art'?

Contemporary art refers to art created by living artists or those who have recently passed away. It uses non-traditional materials and a variety of media such as video, installation, and performance art, and often addresses current social, political, and economic issues.

What are some common themes in contemporary art?

Common themes in contemporary art include racism, globalization, terrorism, oppression, poverty, and feminism, as contemporary artists often use their work to comment on these issues.

How does contemporary art differ from modern art in terms of time period?

Modern art refers to works created from the 1880s to the 1970s, whereas contemporary art refers to art produced in the present day, often by living artists.

What is the primary focus of modern art compared to contemporary art?

Modern art is primarily focused on self-expression, while contemporary art places greater emphasis on addressing societal issues and exploring new ways of engaging audiences.

How has the rise of technology influenced contemporary art?

The rapid rise in technology has expanded the mediums available to contemporary artists, allowing for new ways of creating and experiencing art, such as through digital media, video, and interactive installations.

What is the role of ideas in contemporary art?

In contemporary art, the idea behind the artwork is often just as important as the physical piece itself. The intention is to provoke thought and encourage the viewer to engage with deeper societal and philosophical questions.

What are some artistic movements that influence contemporary art?

Contemporary art draws upon earlier movements such as minimalism and assemblage art, blending these styles with current approaches and technologies to create dynamic and thought-provoking pieces.

How does contemporary art aim to engage the viewer?

Contemporary art aims to challenge the viewer and spark thoughts about pressing social, political, and cultural issues. Artists often create work that is intended to provoke critical thinking, offering new perspectives on complex topics.