Contemporary Art vs. Modern Art

Attribute	Contemporary Art	Modern Art
Time Period	1970s to present	late 19th century to 1960s
Subject Matter	Varied and diverse	Varied, but often focused on industrialization and urbanization
Techniques	Wide range of mediums and methods	Experimentation with new materials and techniques
Style	Often abstract or conceptual	Varied, including movements like Cubism and Surrealism
Reception	Can be controversial and provoke strong reactions	Initially met with resistance, but eventually accepted

Definition and Time Period

Contemporary art refers to the art being created and produced in the present day, or within the last few decades. It is constantly evolving and reflects the current cultural, social, and political climate. On the other hand, Modern art refers to the art produced between the late 19th century and the 1960s. It includes movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism.

Subject Matter

Contemporary art often explores a wide range of subject matter, including but not limited to identity, globalization, technology, and environmental issues. Artists working in this genre often push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of art. Modern art, on the other hand, focused on themes such as industrialization, urbanization, and the impact of war on society. Artists like Picasso and Matisse were at the forefront of these movements.

Materials and Techniques

Contemporary artists have access to a wide range of materials and techniques, thanks to advancements in technology and globalization. This has led to a diverse range of art forms, including digital art, installation art, and performance art. Modern artists, on the other hand, were limited by the materials available at the time, such as oil paint and canvas. However, they still experimented with techniques like collage and assemblage.

Style and Aesthetics

Contemporary art is known for its diversity in style and aesthetics, with artists drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including popular culture, street art, and fashion. This has led to a more inclusive and democratic art world, where artists from different backgrounds and cultures can thrive. Modern art, on the other hand, was characterized by a more unified aesthetic, with movements like Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism dominating the art world.

Reception and Criticism

Contemporary art often faces criticism for being too conceptual or inaccessible to the general public. Some argue that it lacks the technical skill and craftsmanship of traditional art forms. Modern art, on the other hand, faced similar criticism when it first emerged, with many people questioning the validity and value of abstract art. However, over time, Modern art has been accepted and celebrated as a groundbreaking movement in art history.

Market Value and Collectibility

Contemporary art has seen a surge in market value in recent years, with works by living artists fetching record prices at auctions. This has led to a booming art market, with collectors and investors seeking to acquire the latest works by emerging artists. Modern art, on the other hand, has a long-established market, with works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Rothko commanding high prices at auctions. Collectors often seek out Modern art as a way to invest in a piece of art history.