Surgery Completes Difference Between Contemporary And Modern Fine Arts

Illustration of contemporary fine art (freepic)

YOGYAKARTA - Often we equate modern art with contemporary art, even though both have striking differences. This misidentification can change the way you appreciate a work.

The difference between these two arts flows is not only a matter of the year of manufacture, but also a fundamental philosophy. Directed from the website of Dane Fine Art and Britannica, VOI will thoroughly dissect which areas separate the two most influential art eras.

Modern Fine Arts and contemporary fine arts are two non-exchangeable terms. This difference is based on the estimated time span set by art historians.

Modern Fine Arts were generally created between the 1860s (era Impresionism) until the late 1960s. Only art created after that, such as Conceptuals and Postmoderns, is categorized as contemporary art and continues to this day.

While this time limit is not absolute, it is the starting benchmark separating the two.

Also read the article that discusses 8 Basic Elements of Fine Art and Explanation, Must Watch

In addition to the time span, there are fundamental differences in the concepts and aesthetics between these two phases, including:

Modern Fine Art focuses on innovative forms, lines, and subjective expressions of artists (for example, looking for unique styles). Modern artists like Picasso themselves are trying to attract attention to the canvas itself, instead of trying to emulate the real world.

Meanwhile, what distinguishes it from contemporary art is the shift of focus from aesthetic beauty to the concept or idea underlying the work. Social issues, politics, or identity are often the core. The final result of the work is less important than the creative process behind it (for example performance art).

Modern Fine Art, although innovative, most of the works are still tied to traditional media such as canvases, oil paints, or bronze.

On the other hand, contemporary works are found in a much wider medium spectrum, namely total freedom. The media can be videos, interactive installations, performance art, trash, or even the use of artificial technology and intelligence.

In modern art, works are objects that are seen and admired from a certain distance. This expression is an expression of the individuality of the artist.

In contrast to the Contemporary Fine Art which often invites viewers to interact, participate, or become part of the work. This art is designed to have a social impact, with society as the main focus, reflecting on the cultural conditions and evolution of our current society.

Modern artists and contemporary art are both popular because they reflect on us, here are examples:

Andy Warhol (although often considered a transition) uses sil-screen techniques for his iconic work, Campbell's Soup Cans, visually exploring pop culture.

Jeff Koons, an American pop-contemporary artist, is famous for his work in the form of an inflatable dog statue made from stainless steel. He uses everyday objects and combines sarkastic humor, showing that non-traditional ideas and materials are at the heart of contemporary art.

Understanding the differences between modern art and contemporary art is a matter of opening the mind. The main difference lies in the idea that dominates the work of Contemporary and the medium that is now unlimited.

Modern art is an expression of individuality, while contemporary art focuses more on extensive experimentation, freedom, and social impacts, touching the theme of diversity, globalism, and technology.

After reading this, which artwork do you think represents the most contemporary fine arts?

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