Art is something everyone has in common. If you fell in love with a few art pieces, you might as well be wondering, “Are modern and contemporary arts the same?”.
Modern and contemporary arts are not the same and are two completely different arts. Modern art is art produced from the 1860s to the 1960s. It values experimentation, self-expression, and imagination. Contemporary art is art from the 1970s to today. It draws inspiration from the modern world and acts as a driving force for societal change.
Both modern and contemporary art challenge and turn away from traditional art forms before their time. But if you look closely, these two are not at all the same.
Are Modern and Contemporary Arts Are the Same?
The words “modern” and “contemporary” are often used to mean the same thing which is “current”. While in the general world, it may be possible to use these words interchangeably to mean the same thing, these are not interchangeable in fine art and art history.
Modern arts and contemporary arts are not at all the same. Modern and contemporary art refers to art produced in very different periods with different art styles that distinguish one from the other.
What Is Modern Art?
Modern art refers to art produced from the 1860s to the 1960s era. Some would say the modern art period also encompasses the early 1970s.
The modernist art style during these 100 years is called “modern” because it turns away from the traditions taught by the academies of fine arts during that time.
The modern art movement is called “modern” because it uses different techniques from the art that came before it.
Artists during the modern art era leaned towards experimentation and self and art exploration.
Traditional art that came before was made to capture true-to-life depictions of the world. From accurate scale, perspective, color, and light, art before the modern art era was meant to replicate the real world as it is.
In comparison, modern artists use their personal perspectives and points of view to create art. They paid attention to their techniques and personal emotions to depict the reality around them, no longer strictly adhering to what the academies teach how they should create art.
Modern art paved the way for artists to use their imagination and creativity more freely, breaking away from the strict constraints of realism. By making use of their viewpoints and perspectives, artists were able to produce deeply personal works that reflect the way they see the world.
Artists exploring their imagination and tapping into their creativity also means turning away from realistic figure interpretations and towards total abstraction in the art world.
Modern art also includes various art movements including Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Dada, and Land Art.
Additionally, the invention of photography proved to be on the artists’ side as this led to a better way of documenting real-life people, events, and landscapes. This means art became a thing of its own: self-expression.
What Is Contemporary Art?
Many art historians would say that by definition, contemporary art refers to works of art produced by artists still living and able to create today. Generally, however, contemporary art refers to art produced from the 1970s era up to today.
Contemporary era art highlights the artist’s creative freedom and experimentation. Contemporary artworks reflect the world we live in today. They often showcase current political, social, and cultural issues the contemporary world is experiencing today.
Contemporary art draws much of its inspiration from our ever-changing, diverse, and globalized world, producing artworks that are more complex than ever. Artworks of this era not only reflect the modern world and the complex issues it faces but also act as a force for change.
This wide variety of inspiration to draw from results in a wider range of subject matter. From human experiences, emotions, and the complexities of the modern world, contemporary art subject is simply limitless.
Additionally, contemporary art does not strictly adhere to traditional art tools. While traditional art forms like painting, drawing, and sculpture are still present and thriving, other forms of art like performance, art installations, interactive art, digital imagery, video art, and pop art are popular more than ever. Contemporary artists can find a way to mix various mediums to create their artwork.
Modern and Contemporary Art: A Quick Summary as Told by Art Historians
In summary, both modern and contemporary art turn away from what was the traditional art form of the time before theirs. Both art forms challenge and are a departure from traditional art as taught by art academies.
Much modernist art puts a heavy focus on experimentation and self-expression, putting into canvas how one sees the world with their own eyes and emotions. Just like traditional art, modern art heavily uses art forms like canvases.
Contemporary art, on the other hand, puts eyes on modern society and the issues and challenges people face. Art forms are more varied with the emergence of digital art, installation art, and even performance art.
Conclusion
Art has a long history that goes back millions of years. For anyone who finds themselves drawn to artworks with varying styles, the question “Are modern and contemporary arts the same?” begs for a clear answer.
No, modern art and contemporary art are not the same. Modern art is art produced from the 1860s to the 1960s while contemporary art is from the 1970s to today. Modern art prioritized creative freedom, self-exploration, and experimentation. Contemporary art draws inspiration from the modern world and the challenges and issues society faces.
While both modern and contemporary art challenge the traditions of art before their time, they’re both very distinct art forms.
