essay about modern and contemporary art

Beyond the Mainstream: Essays on Modern and Contemporary Art

Abstract:  This selection of essays by a prominent art historian, critic and curator of modern art examines the art and artists of the twentieth century who have operated outside the established art world. In a lucid and accessible style, Peter Selz explores modern art as it is reflected, and has had an impact on, the tremendous transformations of politics and culture, both in the United States and in Europe. An authoritative overview of a neglected phenomenon, his essays explore the complex relationship between art at the periphery and art at the putative center, and how marginal art has affected that of the mainstream. Author:  Peter Selz Publication date:  January 28, 1998 Publication type:  Book

What's the Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Art?

Asking the elusive question.

By Google Arts & Culture

Landscape with Church (Landscape with Red Spots I) (1913) by Wassily Kandinsky Museum Folkwang

Modern, contemporary. Contemporary, modern. These terms are often used interchangeably. So is there actually any difference between them? And if so, why? One answer is simple: time. Modern art came before contemporary art. Most art historians and critics put the beginning of modern art in the West at around the 1860s, continuing up to the 1960s. Whereas, contemporary art means art made in the present day. But it can be hard to define what the ‘present day’ really means. Is that art made by living artists? Art made in our lifetimes? Or is it artists making work that references or engages with the culture of the present day? Perhaps even artwork made in a way that defines what the ‘present day’ is? So, the start date of contemporary art is, perhaps paradoxically, most often set back in the 1960s and 70s.

Musée d'Orsay, accrochage salle Van gogh (2012) by Musée d'Orsay, display in the Van Gogh room Musée d’Orsay, Paris

But as well as time difference, there are also other differences—in method, medium, and approach. And when we talk about modern and contemporary art, we’re also talking about lots of different movements and forms, from Post-Impressionism, to Dada, to Pop Art, to Installation Art.

Luncheon on the Grass (1863) by Edouard Manet Musée d’Orsay, Paris

So first let’s take a look at modern art . When we see Monet printed on tea towels and Cézanne on the cover of biscuit tins, it can be hard to imagine how radical and shocking this style of painting was in its day. Modern art and ‘modernism’ was a radical departure from the kinds of art that had gone before; its rejection of traditional perspective and subject matter was especially innovative.

Many art historians say that Édouard Manet was the first ‘modern’ artist—specifically his painting from 1863, Luncheon on the Grass . This is because the piece didn’t try to portray the scene in a way that looked ‘real’ and three dimensional. Manet’s figures look like they sit on top of one another; the woman bathing in a stream almost seems to be hovering over the other characters, as though she could fall off her perch and land in their laps at any moment. Manet was also criticized for the lack of shading between the light and dark areas of the picture and for the 'lowly' subject matter of his painting.

Window Opening on Nice (1928) by DUFY, Raoul Shimane Art Museum

This movement away from attempts to accurately represent the outside world ushered in a new era of art, which encompassed Impressionism , Post-Impressionism , Japonism , Fauvism , Cubism , Futurism , and Expressionism .

So how did we get from here, to contemporary art, with its piles of bricks and $10,000 'non-visible' artworks ? A kind of mini-turning point in the transition between modern and contemporary art came with the movement known as ' abstract expressionism ’, as this ushered in a movement away from the content of the picture, and towards a focus on the process of making the artwork itself. Take Jackson Pollock; his artworks were as much about the act of dripping paint and moving around the canvas, cigarette in mouth , as it was about the finished product per se. This movement was a small stepping stone on the road towards what we now think of as contemporary art.

Jackson Pollock by Hans Namuth Sound and Music

Wirtschaftswert Speisekuchen (1977/1977) by Joseph Beuys MUSEION

The sea-change came in the 1960s and 70s, with a revolution in the way we make, and think about, art. Much modernist art, including abstract expressionism, took itself very seriously, privileging the 'genius' of the artist. Pop art , minimalism , conceptual art , and performance art, however, turned this on its head, making artwork that looked at modernism's preconceptions about art with a wry smirk. Instead of beauty and form, artists were often now more interested in the concept behind the artwork, so art now took on lots of different forms—video, performance, installation—and often lived outside of galleries or traditional art spaces altogether.

Will Britain get through this recession (1992/1993) by Gillian Wearing British Council

An important part of contemporary art isn’t held in the brushstrokes of paint, or the marble of a sculpture; it isn’t even in the artwork at all, rather, it’s the viewer's impression of the artwork. Contemporary artworks often focus on the effect on, and experience of, an artwork’s viewer. To many critics and art theorists, we make the artwork what it is. In some cases, the artwork is only made up of the people who experience it, as with many performance and social action projects.

Jeremy Deller, Valerie's Snack Bar (2008) Hayward Gallery

A question that so often gets leveled at contemporary art is usually something along the lines of, “but is it art though?’ or, “my four-year-old could do that”. But, funnily enough, this shows that contemporary artists are doing their jobs properly. How? Because a lot of contemporary art is interrogating our conception of ‘aesthetics’. Aesthetics is the philosophical enquiry into what makes something art. So when we look at a pile of bricks, or a urinal in an art gallery, the artists are actually trying to make us question whether or not their work is art, and if it is, what makes it so.

Tomorrow (2013) UCCA Center for Contemporary Art

Contemporary art is often an experiment in pushing boundaries and asking questions about what art is and can be. So when you say, ‘is it art though?’, that’s exactly the kind of question the artist wants you to ask. Learn more about: - Modern art

Museum Folkwang

Phyllis tate: a quiet maverick, sound and music, henri matisse 1869-1954: a retrospective exhibition, hayward gallery, fashion utopias: international fashion showcase 2016, british council, from station to the renovated musée d'orsay, musée d’orsay, paris, scenes in and around kyoto, shimane art museum, here to stay. new arrivals to the collection, map office : the oven of straw, ucca center for contemporary art, vincent van gogh up close, rare as a green dog, anthony caro, folk archive, collection of shimane art museum, museion #10yearson, new directions: he xiangyu.

Modern and Contemporary Art

The Modern and Contemporary Art department at The Met is devoted to the study, collection and exhibition of art from 1890 to the present. An era marked by seismic cultural, social and political shifts across the globe, artistic responses to these changes have shaped multiple modernities and diverse contemporary practices. The department is committed to foregrounding the interconnected and richly variegated narratives and experiences that inform the art of this period from around the world.

Historically focused on the art of Western Europe and North America, since 2012 Modern and Contemporary Art has greatly expanded and diversified its collections, especially through works by women and artists of color, with particular emphasis on acquisitions from Latin America, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and African diasporas. Today, its holdings span a range of media, including paintings, sculpture, works on paper, design, decorative arts, and time-based media. The department presents rotating selections from its dynamic collections in its galleries and special projects throughout the museum.

Department History

The Met established its Department of Contemporary Arts in 1967 under Henry Geldzahler, who along with co-curator Lowery Stokes Sims refocused the museum’s commitment to living artists. Initially confined to American painting and sculpture, the department’s collections grew in the 1970s to include art from Europe and later decorative arts and design. Twentieth-century art found a permanent home at The Met with the opening of the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing in 1987. The department, since renamed, has critically expanded the scope of its holdings and extended the spaces of its operation. From 2016 to 2020 it mounted innovative exhibitions at The Met Breuer and today continues to foreground the work of modern and contemporary artists from across the globe.

Highlights from the Collection

The department’s holdings have been formed through strategic acquisitions as well as generous gifts and bequests, including major private collections from the Alfred Stieglitz Collection to the Leonard A. Lauder Cubist Collection. Particularly strong in modern design as well as French and American modernism, the department’s collection has expanded and diversified in recent years to more broadly acknowledge global perspectives (such as art from Hungary and Iran) and practices (such as those of Julio Le Parc and Mrinalini Mukherjee). Today, its robust holdings in painting, sculpture, and works on paper have been augmented by substantial and growing collections of international decorative arts and design, installation art, and time-based media.

See highlights of modern and contemporary art in the department's collection.

Related Content

Publications

Read new scholarship on modern and contemporary art in our books, articles, and catalogues.

Curators and collections specialists reflect on recent activities, departmental news, and ongoing research related to artists and artworks in the collection.

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History

Browse richly illustrated thematic essays on modern and contemporary art.

Watch interviews with artists, view exhibition tours, listen to lectures, and hear curators and conservators discuss modern and contemporary art at The Met.

Meet the team.

Meet the fellows and learn about their pre- and post-doctoral research.

Our Goals and Commitments

Learn about the department's guiding principles.

Stay Connected

Follow us on Instagram for department news and sneak peeks at our exhibitions and projects.

The Modern Circle

Support and learn about our acquisitions, exhibitions, publications and programs.

Perspectives

Read articles by curators and Museum staff on modern and contemporary art.

Your cart is currently empty!

• Woodturning Art
• Watch Making
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Metalsmithing
• Glass / Glass Blowing
• Ceramics / Clay
• Assemblage / Collage

” Pumpkin” ORIGINAL OIL PASTEL ART Ukraine Kharkiv

FEATURED ART WORK

• How Our Site Works Fairly
• Membership Options
• How to Use Our Website
• Merchandise
• Packing and Shipping Artwork
• Guest Article Guidelines
• Frequently Asked Questions

From Modern to Contemporary: Art’s Evolution

Table of Contents – Click any heading to be taken to that section

Brief definition of modern art and contemporary art

The importance of understanding the relationship between the two movements, main points of this article, the historical context that led to the emergence of modern art in the late 19th century, key characteristics of modern art, including abstraction, experimentation, and a focus on the individual artist’s vision, highlight of some of the most influential modern artists, such as pablo picasso and wassily kandinsky, how the innovations of modern art influenced artists in the post-war period, examples of contemporary artists whose work shows the influence of modern art, such as jackson pollock and mark rothko, some of the criticisms that have been levelled at modern art over the years, such as its perceived elitism and lack of accessibility, similar criticisms that have been directed at contemporary art, such as a perceived lack of skill and craftsmanship, counterarguments to these criticisms and why modern and contemporary art are valuable and important, article summary, reflection on the significance of modern art’s impact on contemporary art, invitation to readers to share their own opinions and experiences with modern and contemporary art, i. introduction.

Modern art refers to the artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century and lasted until the 1960s. It is characterized by experimentation, abstraction, and a focus on the individual artist’s vision. Modern art includes movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Contemporary art, on the other hand, refers to the art that has been produced since the 1960s up to today. It encompasses a wide range of styles and forms, including installation art, performance art, and digital art. Like modern art, contemporary art is often experimental and challenges traditional definitions of art.

Understanding the relationship between modern art and contemporary art is essential for anyone interested in art history and criticism. Modern art laid the foundation for many of the artistic movements and styles that followed it, including contemporary art. The innovations and experimentation of modern artists influenced the work of later artists and paved the way for new forms of expression. By examining the connection between these two movements, we gain a deeper understanding of how art has evolved over time and how it continues to shape our cultural landscape today. This understanding also helps us appreciate the diversity and complexity of contemporary art and its place in the larger art historical context.

We will explore how modern art changed contemporary art. We will examine the development of modern art and its key characteristics and then dive into the impact of modern art on the post-war period and the rise of new forms of art. We will also look at some of the criticisms that have been levelled at modern and contemporary art and offer counterarguments to these critiques. Ultimately, we will make the case for why understanding the relationship between modern art and contemporary art is crucial for appreciating and evaluating art today.

II. The Development of Modern Art

The emergence of modern art in the late 19th century can be attributed to a range of social, cultural, and political factors. One major influence was the Industrial Revolution, which brought new technologies and ways of life that challenged traditional modes of thinking. Simultaneously, there was growing disillusionment with the established order of art, which was seen by many as out of touch with the changing times. The Impressionist movement , which emerged in the 1870s, was one of the first to break away from academic tradition and experiment with new techniques and styles. This sparked a wave of artistic innovation across Europe and the rest of the world that would eventually lead to modern art. Additionally, the rise of Freudian psychology and the increased interest in the subconscious mind played a role in shaping modern art’s focus on individual expression and unconventional forms. Taken together, these factors created the conditions for a revolutionary new approach to art that would transform the cultural landscape for generations to come.

One of the defining features of modern art is abstraction, which involves reducing art to its essential elements and eliminating any representation of the external world. This allowed artists to explore the formal qualities of art, such as colour, shape, and line, in new and innovative ways. Another key characteristic of modern art is experimentation, which involved pushing the limits of traditional techniques and embracing new materials and technologies. This often resulted in unconventional forms of art that challenged established norms. Finally, modern art placed a strong emphasis on the individual artist’s vision and expression, rejecting the academic tradition of copying nature and instead focusing on subjective experience. This allowed for greater personal expression and the exploration of previously taboo themes and subjects. Taken together, these characteristics created a new mode of artistic expression that was fundamentally different from anything that had come before it.

There were many influential modern artists who shaped the course of art history in the 20th century and beyond, but some of the most notable include Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky. Picasso is widely regarded as one of the most important artists of the 20th century and a key figure in the development of modern art. He was a pioneer of Cubism, a style that revolutionized the way artists represented the world by breaking down objects into their component parts and reassembling them in abstract forms. Kandinsky, on the other hand, was a Russian artist who is often credited with paving the way for abstract art. His work emphasized the expressive power of colour and form, and he believed that art had the ability to evoke spiritual and emotional experiences. Both of these artists were instrumental in pushing the boundaries of traditional art and paving the way for the emergence of contemporary art.

In addition to Picasso and Kandinsky, there were many other artists who played a significant role in the development of modern art. Henri Matisse was another important figure who helped usher in the era of Fauvism, a style characterized by bold colours and expressive brushwork. Marcel Duchamp was a pioneer of conceptual art, creating works like his infamous “Fountain” sculpture, which challenged traditional notions of what could be considered art. Jackson Pollock was a key figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement, known for his large, gestural paintings that emphasized the physical process of making art. Other notable modern artists include Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, Georges Braque, and Piet Mondrian, each of whom contributed to the rich tapestry of modern art with their unique styles and approaches. Together, these artists represent the diversity and innovation of modern art and continue to inspire and influence contemporary artists today.

III. The Impact of Modern Art on Contemporary Art

The innovations of modern art had a profound impact on artists in the post-war period , leading to the emergence of new forms of art and a shift towards more experimental and unconventional approaches. The trauma of World War II and the social upheavals that followed created a sense of disillusionment with established norms and a desire for new modes of expression. This led to the rise of movements like Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, which were heavily influenced by the innovations of modern art. Abstract Expressionists like Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning continued the tradition of abstraction and experimentation, while Pop Artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein embraced consumer culture and appropriated images from popular media. These artists, along with many others, paved the way for contemporary art and continue to inspire artists today with their bold, innovative visions.

The rise of new art forms, such as installation art and conceptual art, that were inspired by modern art

The rise of new art forms like installation art and conceptual art in the late 20th century is directly linked to the innovations of modern art. Artists began to experiment with new ways of creating and experiencing art, moving away from traditional media like painting and sculpture and towards more immersive and interactive forms. Installation art, for example, involves creating site-specific environments that often involve multiple elements and sensory experiences. This form of art challenges the viewer to engage with the work in a physical and emotional way, blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life. Conceptual art, on the other hand, emphasizes the idea or concept behind the artwork rather than the physical object itself. This approach often involves using language, performance, or other non-traditional media to convey the artist’s message. Both of these forms of art were inspired by the desire to break away from traditional modes of art-making and to create new and innovative forms of expression that could better reflect the complexities of the modern world. Today, these forms of art continue to inspire and challenge artists around the world, reflecting the ongoing evolution of contemporary art.

There are many contemporary artists whose work shows the influence of modern art, from the bold, expressive paintings of Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko to the immersive installations of Yayoi Kusama and Olafur Eliasson. Some other notable examples include:

• Cindy Sherman, who uses photography to explore themes of identity and gender, much like the Surrealists did in the early 20th century.
• Damien Hirst, who has been compared to Marcel Duchamp for his use of ready made objects and his questioning of the value of art.
• Banksy, who often incorporates political and social commentary into his street art, much like the Dadaists and Pop Artists did in their time.
• Jeff Koons, who creates highly polished and often controversial sculptures that blur the lines between high and low culture, much like the Pop Artists.
• Kara Walker, who uses cut paper silhouettes to explore the history of race and slavery, similar to the way Matisse used cut paper to explore form and colour.

These artists and many others continue to draw inspiration from the innovations of modern art, adapting and transforming them to reflect the concerns and issues of the contemporary world.

IV. The Criticisms of Modern Art and Contemporary Art

Modern art has been the subject of criticism over the years, with some detractors arguing that it is elitist and inaccessible to the general public. One of the main criticisms is that modern art is often seen as a product of the elite, catering to a small group of wealthy collectors and art institutions rather than the broader public. This has led to accusations of a lack of diversity and inclusivity in the art world, with many artists from underrepresented communities struggling to gain recognition and support.

Another common criticism of modern art is that it can be difficult for non-experts to understand and appreciate. The emphasis on formal qualities like colour, line, and shape can be seen as esoteric and disconnected from real-world concerns, while some abstract and conceptual works can be challenging to interpret without extensive knowledge of art history and theory. This has led to accusations that modern art is pretentious and out of touch with the general public.

Despite these criticisms, it’s important to note that modern art has also been celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and ability to push boundaries. Many modern artists have used their work to address social and political issues, challenge established norms, and inspire new ways of thinking. While it is true that modern art can sometimes be difficult to access or understand, this is also part of what makes it so exciting and rewarding for those who are willing to engage with it. Critics of modern art must therefore balance their concerns about accessibility and inclusivity with an appreciation for the unique and valuable contributions that modern art continues to make to the world of art and culture.

Similar to modern art, contemporary art has also been subject to criticism, including accusations of a perceived lack of skill and craftsmanship. Some critics argue that contemporary art has devolved into a form of spectacle rather than a meaningful exploration of aesthetics or ideas. They argue that many contemporary artists rely on gimmicks, shock value, or conceptual frameworks to create works that lack technical proficiency or beauty.

Another common criticism of contemporary art is that it can be overly reliant on theory and academic discourse, making it inaccessible and disconnected from everyday experience. This has led to accusations that contemporary art is too self-referential and focused on insider debates rather than engaging with broader social and political issues.

Furthermore, some critics argue that contemporary art’s emphasis on installation, performance, and other non-traditional media makes it difficult to assess and value, leading to concerns about a lack of quality control and standards in the art world.

Despite these criticisms, it’s important to note that contemporary art continues to innovate and push boundaries, exploring new forms of expression and challenging established norms. Many contemporary artists are using their work to address important social and political issues, and are creating powerful, thought-provoking pieces that engage with the world in meaningful ways. While it is true that not all contemporary art will appeal to everyone, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to engage with its ideas and perspectives.

There are several counterarguments to the criticisms of modern and contemporary art. Firstly, it can be argued that the perceived lack of skill or craftsmanship in contemporary art is actually a deliberate choice by many artists, who are seeking to challenge traditional notions of what constitutes “good” art. Rather than being an indication of laziness or lack of ability, this approach is often a deliberate artistic strategy, meant to create new forms of expression and push the boundaries of what art can be.

Secondly, while it is true that some contemporary art can be difficult to understand or appreciate, this is not necessarily a negative thing. Art has always been a means of exploring and expressing complex ideas and emotions, and contemporary art is no different. While some works may require more background knowledge or context to fully appreciate, this is also part of what makes them so rewarding and intellectually stimulating.

Thirdly, while some critics argue that contemporary art is too focused on academic theory and insider debates, it’s important to recognize that many contemporary artists are engaging with important social and political issues, such as race, gender, and the environment. By using their work to explore these issues, contemporary artists are contributing to broader cultural conversations and raising awareness about important topics.

Finally, it’s worth noting that modern and contemporary art have had a profound impact on the world of art and culture, inspiring new forms of expression and challenging established norms. From the innovations of modernism to the immersive installations of contemporary art, artists have continually pushed the boundaries of what art can be, offering new perspectives and ways of seeing the world. In this way, modern and contemporary art are valuable and important not just for their aesthetic qualities, but for their ability to inspire, provoke, and challenge us to think differently.

V. Conclusion

This article explores the relationship between modern art and contemporary art, and how modern art changed contemporary art. The post discusses the historical context of modern art’s emergence and its key characteristics, including abstraction, experimentation, and focus on individual vision. It also examines the impact of modern art on contemporary art, such as the rise of installation and conceptual art and influential contemporary artists who draw inspiration from modern art. The post discusses criticisms of modern and contemporary art, including elitism, inaccessibility, and lack of technical skill, but also offers counterarguments to these criticisms. Overall, the post highlights the significant contributions that modern and contemporary art have made to the world of art and culture, inspiring new forms of expression and challenging established norms.

Modern art’s impact on contemporary art has been profound and far-reaching. The innovations of modern art, such as abstraction, experimentation with form and materials, and a focus on individual expression and emotion, challenged traditional aesthetic conventions and opened up new avenues for artistic exploration. These innovations inspired new forms of art, such as installation art and conceptual art, which continue to shape contemporary art today. Moreover, many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from modern art, incorporating its principles and techniques into their work to create bold and innovative pieces. By building on the legacy of modern art, contemporary artists are able to push boundaries and explore new modes of artistic expression, creating work that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally powerful. Ultimately, the impact of modern art on contemporary art highlights the enduring power of artistic innovation and the importance of pushing boundaries to create new forms of expression.

In closing, it’s important to recognize that art is a deeply personal and subjective experience. While this article has explored the impact and significance of modern and contemporary art, we would love to hear your own opinions and experiences with these movements. Have you been moved by a particular artwork or artist? Do you have a favourite contemporary artist whose work speaks to you? We invite you to share your own perspectives and engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the power and importance of art in our lives in the comments below. By working together to explore and understand the world of art and culture, we can continue to appreciate its ongoing relevance and influence in our lives.

• Art History
• Artwork Feature
• Gallery News

One response to “From Modern to Contemporary: Art’s Evolution”

Acredito numa arte fora do academicismo. Acredito que a arte moderna influenciada pelo Impressionismo é o verdadeiro rompimento real de algo cujas características não era rompimento e a escola moderna arranca de si o passado, influência do meio. A arte contemporânea não rompe, não inova, mesmo com as instruções. Foi a arte moderna que deu a possibilidade de telas não figurativas, na experimentação, às cores, ABSTRAÇÃO, dando o maior fator para a base moderna: a experiência subjetiva. Não há reprodução da natureza, mas criação da mente. A contemporânea é apenas uma forma “evoluída” da moderna!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Get Yourself an Arts Artists Artwork T-Shirt or Coffee Mug