In this topic, we will address the difference between modern and contemporary art.
Modern Art
Modern art primarily refers to the art developed at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Some attribute it to the Impressionists because it was a break from the previous movement, Realism, while others trace it back to the Renaissance. However, the broader consensus is that modern art is primarily that of the 20th century.
What Defines Modern Art?
To understand the difference between modern and contemporary art, we must first grasp the fundamental principles that underpin both. Modern art is characterized by the artist’s ability to use tools and create beautiful objects. Implicitly, it also involves a search for beauty.
Contemporary Art
Contemporary art, beyond just a chronological reference (which can be confusing), represents an attitude and construction. The current artist works in pursuit of other aesthetic categories and ideas that are related to transgression and the non-necessity of technical virtuosity. In other words, today’s artist doesn’t need to be an expert in handling brushes, cameras, chisels, etc. They can hire others for this work, as their true art lies in the concept. In some cases, the artist functions more like a conductor than the first violinist.
Continuity with the Past
Contemporary artists may still use techniques from centuries ago, such as engraving. These are artists working with methods that date back hundreds of years.
In the Present
An artist from 1920, like Marcel Duchamp, was already working on concepts that today would be considered highly contemporary. Similarly, a modern artist might still work with a chisel on marble, but present proposals that carry an argument so powerful that they are considered contemporary. It’s not so much about the technique but the stance. It’s about what the artist says, if it goes beyond the image or the object, turning the object into an excuse to present something else.
Modern vs. Contemporary Art: Dominance Rather than Exclusivity
We can talk about dominance rather than exclusivity. Exclusivity excludes, while the dominance of modern art lies in the beautiful object and the artist’s attitude or skill. The dominance in contemporary art lies in the rich and complex concept and the ability to generate mental references in the viewer.
Some artists work with both modern and contemporary characteristics, presenting the best of both fields.