What is Contemporary Art?

DID YOU KNOW?

Contemporary art is the art of now! Art that is created within the second half of the 20th century or in the 21st century. Examples of contemporary art may be any genre or medium - painting, sculpture, installation, video art or projection, or drawing. These artists give a visual voice, or representation, to the cultural or historical world that is changing around them, experiment with ideas and materials, or change environments. It is noted for its wide ranging diversity in both artist, style, medium, and evolution on the very definition of art itself. Their work, like any art movement, serves as an artifact of the time. When we actively study contemporary artists, it serves many purposes. We are able to see representation of artists working today, go to their exhibitions as they are working, with the power of the internet and social we can message them, and we are able to learn from and observe their story. All of this means that now, as opposed to the decades or centuries before, we are able to support the artists who are living and working today!

Check out Mark Rumsey’s installation piece here during ArtPrize at Kendall College of Art and Design’s Atrium Gallery!