There is more to contemporary art than just the random exhibition of paintings or sculpture or the display of an installation. Contemporary art thrives on the questioning of current ideas and trends. The art develops around an attitude that often comes into some sort of conflict with the mores or ideas of the general public. In this way the contemporary artist finds a way to become part of the everyday fabric of modern life.
Identification
Contemporary art is a general term that captures the spirit of creating art in the modern world. It is a label applied to working artists who are in the prime of their creative endeavors: painters, sculptors, photographers and printmakers, as well as installation and performance artists. The best of contemporary art can be found in a network of museums and influential galleries around the world.
History of
Contemporary art is generally thought to date back to the Impressionists, who worked in France during the last several decades of the 19th century. These French artists made paintings of the urban and rural landscape around Paris, but their paintings differed significantly from those of their peers, who worked in a more conventional manner. As a result, contemporary art is often distinguished by a noticeable departure from the current artistic norms.
Evolution
The 20th century saw a major development of contemporary art. This occurred first in Europe, where two world wars ravaged the continent. Since World War II, American artists have played a larger role in the contemporary art world. Although not all art is inspired by the cruelty of war, contemporary art is often accompanied by a willingness to delve into the great political or psychological issues of the day.
Significance
Works of contemporary art can be very valuable commodities and often sell for extremely high prices at art auctions. Successful contemporary artists place their works in important venues, where they can be viewed by the general public, and often the ideas and feelings expressed can become part of the public awareness and their appreciation of modern art. Millions of people visit modern art museums every year, and a contemporary painting, sculpture or installation can influence current intellectual opinion in the same way a play or a book does.
Geography
Contemporary art first developed in Europe and then in North America. Today important artists can be found in every part of the world, but happenings in the United States and Western Europe are still the most important. Nonetheless, excellent venues of visual expression are emerging in Latin America, Asia and Africa. Japan is of special note; some art historians place special importance on the arrival of Japanese art in Europe in connection with the development of Impressionistic painting. Contemporary artists frequently borrow techniques from the third world and primitive societies.
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