Most people believe that the world is as they see it. They usually reject anything that conflicts with their point of view. Similar prejudices have made art suffer for thousands of years, as exceptionally talented artists often break convention. Contemporary art is the icing on the cake in any stylish interior, bringing life, decoration and a unique atmosphere. A stunning painting, an unusual bas-relief or a minimalist decoration? All it takes is one piece of artwork. We have prepared a guide, in which we suggest how to understand contemporary art.
What is contemporary art?
Contemporary art, also known as modern art or modernism, is a conventional period in the history of art that begins in the 1860s and lasts until the 1950s. Modern art intersects with the concept of modernism in philosophy and the phenomenon of the avant-garde. These are works created after World War II up to the present day. The term also describes any contemporary works of art that are distinguished by exceptional creativity. Modern art shows how different the human mind can be when it has the opportunity to express itself fully.
Why should you bet on modern art?
With the advent of modernity, objectivity has become an integral part of science and mathematics, and as a result has penetrated into everyday life. Works of modern art are the perfect complement, so it is worth decorating the interiors of apartments, homes, institutions and businesses with them.
Contemporary art: know before you understand
What do you need to know about contemporary art before you understand it?
- contemporary art is subjective
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the advent of cameras, it seemed that art forms such as painting and sculpture would soon become extinct and forgotten. Contemporary artists, not wanting to lose interest, began to create intriguing works. Although modern art is divided into different artistic styles, the work of artists is incredibly diverse to the point that it is sometimes difficult to classify it clearly.
- contemporary art does not have to mean anything
We look for meaning in contemporary works. However, the word “meaning” here is an illusion. After all, each of us understands the meaning of words or emotions differently. Such limitations have hampered creativity for centuries. Therefore, modern artists rely on free expression. Their works are like feelings: you can feel them, but it is an individual matter for each viewer.
- contemporary art may not appeal to everyone
Individualism is insanely important in contemporary art. This applies not only to artists, but also to viewers. For example, a painting or sculpture sold for a million zlotys doesn’t have to please you. It simply hit the taste of the buyer. You don’t have to judge the work of a contemporary artist whose works your friends like. And the fact that you will like the work of a lesser-known artist does not mean that you have bad taste.
- there is no key to understanding contemporary art
Regardless of the complexity of contemporary works, you don’t have to stare at them to try to understand them. Although there are contemporary artists whose works change shape when you focus your gaze on them, this is a rare case that can be considered the exception that proves the rule.
How to understand contemporary art?
1 Go to a museum or art opening
Think you interact with contemporary art because you stare at the wallpaper of a painting or sculpture on your smartphone every day? However, it’s not until you go to an opening or museum of contemporary art that you can truly celebrate works of art that will impress you.
By viewing original works of art in person, not through a computer or smartphone screen, you can get an in-depth look at the color combinations used by the artist. You also won’t miss the brilliance and uniqueness of a particular painting, sculpture or bas-relief. Then you have the opportunity to see the artist’s original concept, which is not enhanced in Photoshop to look good in a print catalog or online.
- admire without having to understand
Vincent van Gogh called his famous painting “Sunflower in a Vase” a symphony of blue and yellow colors. This is the quintessential understanding of contemporary art. Why? When listening to music, we simply celebrate the moment. We do not search for its meaning. With a similar sense of awe, relishing the sense of sight, we should look at a variety of works of contemporary art.
- give yourself time to admire the artwork
Many people come to a contemporary art opening or museum for a while, others rush in and make an express exit. Unfortunately, this is not the way to go. Most contemporary paintings and sculptures are multi-layered works. You need time to look at them and discover more layers. Give yourself the right amount of time to understand contemporary art and look at each work of art for as long as you need.
- get to know the artwork and the artist
Whether it’s a painting, book, film, bas-relief or music take the time to learn more about a particular piece of contemporary art. Find a moment to learn more about the artist. Get the facts, such as the place and circumstances of creation or the socio-political environment. This information can be essential to understanding a particular work of art.
5 – Don’t be afraid to feel it subjectively
Contemporary art is mostly very personal. Therefore, it is worth experiencing its artistry in your own way. Don’t waste time comparing your experience with others. While it’s worth sharing insights about contemporary art, remember that it’s an individual thing.
Hints on how to understand contemporary art
Being perceptive when celebrating contemporary artworks may seem unwise to many people. Everyone has their own original point of view. Just being aware of this fact will improve your perceptiveness. However, in addition, you can:
- Practice meditation, as it teaches patience and attentiveness, so it will make understanding contemporary art easier.
- Explore various forms of contemporary art. The most important thing in discovering them is to be able to see the uniqueness and beauty in them. Communing with various forms of contemporary art is a great way to discover unique works.
Diverse works of contemporary art
Historically, there has been painting, sculpture, printmaking and drawing. The transition from modernism to postmodernism manifested itself in an explosion of different types and forms of art. And they emerged with technological developments and new ways of thinking. In modern art, we distinguish the following types of artworks:
- painting
- sculpture
- graphics
- music
- literature
- film
- photography
- installation
- happening
Interestingly, many of these types of art are interrelated. Sometimes new forms of contemporary art works are also created.
Kotarbany – a work of contemporary art
Among the many types of contemporary art that we can interact with these days, Kotarbans cannot be overlooked. These are artistic objects, combining a spatial relief made of white porcelain and a plane consisting of canvas stretched on a stretcher bar. They are created by the talented Polish artist Marek Kotarba.
A distinctive feature of Kotarbans is the use of a single or multicolored painted flat composition, which is an integral background for the white spatial elements. Kotarbans take advantage of the play of light, thanks to varied porcelain surfaces, various reliefs and the use of varied glazes. Kotarban is an innovative fine art technique that does not impose a subject matter. It can be a special example of collage. It is a unique work of art that elevates the image towards three-dimensional space and reduces the sculpture to two-dimensional space. As a result, it will perfectly decorate the interior of your business and home.
Contemporary art in the home and business
The interiors where you stay, such as your home or business headquarters, should stand out with unique decorations. Delight your guests from the moment they cross the threshold of the door. Choose unique pieces of contemporary art that reflect your amazing personality and artistic sense. When it comes to introducing paintings, sculptures or cotarban to your interiors, there are plenty of options. These decorations will liven up any interior in no time, no matter what style it is decorated in.
