Understanding Modern and Contemporary Art: Acceptance and Recognition in the Art Community

Many people often ask, is modern and contemporary art truly art? The answer is unequivocal and multi-faceted, as both modern and contemporary art forms are widely recognized and valued across the art community. This article delves into the nuances that distinguish modern and contemporary art, highlighting their time periods, characteristics, and key themes, and ultimately reaffirming their status as valid expressions of art.

Modern Art (Late 19th Century to Mid-20th Century)

Time Period: Modern Art generally spans from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, covering approximately the 1860s to 1970s.

Characteristics: Modern Art is characterized by its focus on innovation, abstraction, and the breaking of traditional forms and techniques. This period of artistic exploration often reflects the monumental social, political, and technological changes of the time.

Key Movements: Major movements within Modern Art include Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism, among others. Each of these movements contributed significantly to the evolution of artistic expression and innovation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Contemporary Art (Late 20th Century to Present)

Time Period: Contemporary Art encompasses art from the late 20th century, starting from the 1970s, and continues to the present day.

Characteristics: Contemporary Art often reflects current issues, identities, and technologies. It frequently incorporates a variety of media and approaches, challenging the traditional definitions and boundaries of art. The use of new media and interdisciplinary practices is a hallmark of contemporary art.

Key Themes: Key themes in contemporary art include globalization, identity politics, and environmental concerns. These themes are often explored through innovative and diverse media, from digital art to performance art, reflecting the complexity and diversity of modern society.

Conclusion

Both modern and contemporary art are valid expressions within the broader category of art, each contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the nature and purpose of art in society. While the definitions and interpretations of these art forms can vary significantly, their status as art is widely accepted in the art community.

Art as Symbolic Objectification

Philosopher Calvin Seerveld defined art as 'a symbolic objectification of certain meaning aspects of a thing, subject to the law of coherence.' Art, according to this perspective, can be shallow, meaningful, or anything in between, as long as it resonates with viewers in some way. If modern and contemporary art are 'boring or interesting or silly or deep and meaningful', then they are indeed art.

Personal Reflection on Art

Ultimately, the question of what constitutes art is subjective. To some, art is more than just decoration or skill. It is a profound engagement that reaches deep within us, revealing emotions and thoughts we were previously unaware of. Art is symbolic communication through visual symbols that move us in ways that words fail to do. Thus, the essence of art lies in its ability to evoke deeper human experiences and connections.

For art to resonate, it doesn’t need to fit into a single, narrow definition. The diversity of art forms allows each individual to find their own meaning in it. So, modern and contemporary art, by virtue of their complexity and innovation, are indeed art in the most profound sense.

Final Thoughts

Modern and contemporary art represent a profound exploration of the human condition and our place in the world. They serve as mirrors reflecting both the past and the present, challenging us to question, think, and feel more deeply. In a world where everything moves at a dizzying pace, art remains a constant, offering us a space to pause, reflect, and connect.