Contemporary art… but in fact, when did it start and what is it?

Published on : 01 April 20213 min reading time
More and more visual artists claim to be contemporary artists. Contemporary art, which globally designates the artistic works produced since 1945, encompasses a multitude of disciplines ranging from plastic arts to visual arts: photography, installations, painting, sculpture and many others.

The birth of contemporary art

In history, the definition of contemporary art refers to the appearance of a new trend that succeeds modern art, which was in vogue from 1850 to 1945. This said, this movement cannot be defined according to chronology and time. Indeed, some current works have not made the break with classical art and its tendency to pour into figuration. Therefore, they have nothing contemporary about them except the time in which they were produced. But to return to the birth of contemporary art, we can say that it appeared following the development of the consumer society. The basic rules are forgotten in this current. Artists are free to express what they want through their own techniques. The concept is based on a thorough work whose objective is to convey ideas in phase with its time and to invite reflection. Thus, in 1960, contemporary art took on its full meaning with the advent of what would be called Pop Art.

The contemporary art of the 60s

The constant quest for experimentation and stylistic renewal made the definition of contemporary art evolve from the 1960s, a period marked by the decline of communism. Several movements appeared in the current art scene. The kinetic art which is based on the aesthetic of the real movement is represented by Soto, Vasarely, and few others. On the other hand, Andy Warhol reigns as master by trying a new way to represent the consumer society via Pop Art. The new realism, performance art, minimalism or Fluxus which totally annihilate the conventional artistic practices bring a new era in the way of conceiving the artistic production. Until 1980 or 1990, these artists will dominate the market.

The integration of new technologies

The discovery of new technologies from the 80s will, once again, change the situation and bring its touch to the definition of contemporary art. All of the video art, the computer art and the bio-art emerge from the 90s. Moreover, Internet will allow a greater diffusion of the contemporary art, touching the countries separated from the data before. And this journey of contemporary art is not ready to stop. Be careful not to think that contemporary art is a meaningless free expression. It is a work based on a real artistic approach.

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