Art enthusiasts often ask: what is contemporary art? Artlaistic takes you on a deep dive of this topic, bringing you an exhaustive definition of contemporary art.



What is contemporary art? Definition and examples



The definition of contemporary art is more expansive than you think!

The temporality of the history of art is frequently used to help define what contemporary art is. On the historical timeline, it encompasses all works of art created from 1945 until now, regardless of its style and media. Contemporary art therefore includes media such as sculpture, painting, photography, drawing, video art, digital installations, etc.



Modern and contemporary art: Defining the difference

Contemporary art came after modern art (1850 to 1945). Modern art cleared the way for contemporary art by transgressing from the traditional rules of representation, pushing and freeing itself from the normalized ideas of what is real, notably through the Cubist, Surrealist, Outsider Art and Impressionist movements.

Contemporary art goes beyond revolutionizing the form and pairs this visual aspect with more intellectual depth, reflecting on the inner meaning and significance of the artwork. A piece of contemporary art brings the viewer to question the time in history in which it was created.



The conceptual dimension

According to the above statements, contemporary art could be defined as follows: it is the expression and embodiment of an idea that reflects the complex issues that shape our diverse, global and rapidly changing world.



What is contemporary art and how to define it?

Contemporary art was invented by artists who wanted to separate themselves from figurative modern art. It was created in opposition to a desire to reproduce an idealized form of reality. In fact, all famous contemporary artists question, criticize and recreate reality without hiding its contradictory nature and dysfunction, on the contrary, it underscores the crises our modern societies are currently facing and asks us to bring them under question.

This definition of contemporary art is very vast and thus encapsulates a wide array of creation, so much so that attempting to give a precise ontological definition of what contemporary art is seems very difficult and, one might argue, useless. One can define contemporary art in several ways. A case in point, is the rich diversity and depth of the art movements that have branched from this umbrella term.



Movements and techniques



Pop Art

Some art critics and historians consider pop art to be the movement that marked the beginning of contemporary art in the 1960s. Several contemporary art movements were already developing in several countries during the 1950s.

Today there are countless branches of contemporary art, including abstract expressionism, minimalism, new realism, pop art, photo-realism, postmodern art, neo-expressionism, feminist art, street art, land art, bio art, computer or digital art and crypto art.



Countless techniques

Contemporary art is not only limited to traditional forms of expression such as painting and sculpture. It encompasses work made using various techniques and a wide array of media, including video art, digital art, music, installations, performances, happenings, etc.

Contemporary art’s experimental nature is one of its central pillars, offering artists an inexhaustible source of inspiration and giving them free rein in their creativity.



A thoughtful approach

In order to provide you with a complete definition of what contemporary art is, we must mention the fact that it has a cerebral dimension, in which artists reflect on their relationship with their environment. At the core of contemporary art lies the artist’s introspection of their surroundings, whether physical or symbolic.

Contemporary art builds a bridge between the artist and the viewer who is invited to react to and reflect upon the piece’s true meaning, delving beyond its surface and deciphering the message within.



Where to enjoy contemporary art  in person



Contemporary art museums are some of the best places to admire contemporary art. Like art centers or private foundations, they house collections and organize themed exhibitions featuring work by various contemporary artists.

Another option is art galleries, which are popular among art enthusiasts and professionals looking to enrich their knowledge about the latest trends and emerging artists.

The Internet and other digital technologies have allowed online art galleries to flourish, making them an easy way to discover such a vast sector. Artalistic opens the door into the world of online fine art with its carefully curated galleries featuring work from hundreds of artists working in an array of media: paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, etc. Enjoy your visit!