Where Does Modern Art End and Contemporary Art Begin?

New york city contemporary art

To talk about the history of contemporary art one has to focus on the here and now rather that works of days long past. The reason for this being at it’s core definition contemporary art means art that either has been or is currently being produced during our lives. Yes, the definition is a bit loose as somebody who may be living into their nineties at the moment could see a large overlap between what is modern and what is contemporary. One could further break this down into two basic categories of art. The first being modern art which encompasses works produced by the great impressionists like Monet or Renoir up until the 1960’s or early 1970’s where artists like Andy Warhol ruled. Therefore, one could consider anything produced after about 1970 or so to be considered contemporary.

Contemporary art has been some of the most socially conscious works ever produced. Pieces created are often linked with one movement or another such as the AIDS epidemic, feminist ideals and multiculturalism. As the years progressed with the modern art movement, it became more connected with the trials and tribulations of the times such as gay rights and civil rights movements rather than focusing on just producing something beautiful.

Some of the best examples of contemporary art can be found in various art galleries in NYC, if the art is not already in the hands of a private collector. If, unfortunately you are not able to travel to New York to experience this art for yourself then it is possible to do a simple search and find an online modern art gallery to appreciate the pieces from the comfort of your own home. You could even take this love of art one step further and easily buy contemporary art online, so instead of viewing it on your computer screen in your living room or home office it could be displayed for all to appreciate.

The lines of the history of contemporary art versus modern versus this or that movement maybe be confusing to some and because of the overlap of so many different periods and sub genres of art, this is quite understandable. One just has to remember that if it was produced in your lifetime, it is very likely considered to be a piece of contemporary art.
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Comments

  1. so say i drew a pic right now, would that be considered contemporary or does it have to be famous? besides, what isnt art and what is?

  2. so say i drew a pic right now, would that be considered contemporary or does it have to be famous? besides, what isnt art and what is?

  3. so say i drew a pic right now, would that be considered contemporary or does it have to be famous? besides, what isnt art and what is?

  4. so say i drew a pic right now, would that be considered contemporary or does it have to be famous? besides, what isnt art and what is?

  5. so say i drew a pic right now, would that be considered contemporary or does it have to be famous? besides, what isnt art and what is?

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