Has Quality Been Lost in Contemporary Art?

You can find many contemporary artists today using traditional skills and mediums to produce stunning and compelling works of art. These pieces often incorporate a modern twist to captivate the audience. However, a significant portion of galleries focus on showcasing a group of artists who have abandoned skill and compositional techniques, prioritizing the shock of the new where the concept reigns supreme. This trend has shifted the landscape of contemporary art, leading to an increase in phony art, which lacks substance, authenticity, and long-lasting value.

An Illustrative Example

I have a print hanging on my wall, and while it was a fun activity at a kids' party, where toddlers were taught to make balloon animals, it doesn’t hold true value in an artistic context. As a sculptor, I am in awe of some contemporary works, while despising others that lack any merit, be it in skill, composition, or beauty. Critics and reviewers in galleries are largely responsible for this flood of phony art; if buyers stopped supporting these artists, they might eventually develop some actual artistic skills.

Exploring the Definition of Quality

Quality, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary, encompasses the essential character or inherent qualities of something or someone. In the context of art, quality can be associated with the degree of excellence, an acquired skill, the vividness of hue, and the logical affirmation or negation presented in an artwork. Contemporary art often devalues skill and technical proficiency, focusing instead on shock value and conceptual content. However, this trend is changing as contemporary art moves beyond the confines of galleries and exhibitions into more intimate settings, such as homes.

Contemporary Art Futures: The Art Institute of Chicago's Exhibition

One of the current exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago, Out of the Retina Into the Brain: The Art Library of Aaron and Barbara Levine, provides a fascinating insight. This private collection of contemporary art, which was originally displayed as home decorations or part of a personal library, is now showcased in a museum setting. This change in context allows viewers to appreciate the quality of the art, as the pieces blend seamlessly with family portraits and everyday household items. This exhibition stimulates a re-evaluation of the value and significance of contemporary art.

Quotes from the Show

Barbara Levine:
“Art should be a reflection of the essence of life.”

Aaron Levine:
“A work of art is not just about the physical creation, but the intellect and emotion it evokes.”

The Levines were also collectors of art books, pivotal for contemporary art enthusiasts, as its quality frequently depends on the understanding and appreciation of the ideas, akin to the value found in any book on any topic. This collection highlights the transformative power of art when it moves from the private to the public space, inviting more people to engage with and appreciate contemporary art on a deeper level.

A Call to Reflect

The quality of contemporary art, much like the value of any intellectual or creative pursuit, is subject to re-evaluation. It is essential for both buyers and creators to question the purpose and worth of the art they pursue and create. While contemporary art often emphasizes concepts over traditional techniques, there is a growing appreciation for works that balance both. As the market and cultural discourse evolve, so does the landscape of quality in contemporary art. The shift towards a more informed and discerning viewership can only enrich the art world.

Keywords: contemporary art, quality, skillful art