Art is a highly subjective medium, and it can be difficult for people who are not well-educated about art to appreciate the works created.
However, even if you do not consider yourself an “art connoisseur” or an expert on the subject, you can still enjoy and appreciate many pieces of artwork if you understand them in their historical context.
Modern art has a long and storied history, and it is essential to understand that history to appreciate the works of art created today fully.
This article will help you understand modern art better and show you how to appreciate it. We will discuss the history of contemporary art and some types of works that fall under the umbrella of modern art.
What is Modern Art?
Modern art is a movement that began in the late 19th century and continues today. Modern art is characterized by its rejection of traditional art forms and emphasis on experimentation, abstraction, and surrealism.
The movement was initially called “modernist” art because it was created during a time when society was experiencing rapid change because of industrialization and globalization.
History of Modern Art
Changes in art forms are not instantaneous. So, what exactly was the turning point that made modern art possible? The answer is not a single event but a series of changes over several decades.
The first significant change occurred in Paris during the 1860s and 70s when artists began experimenting with new styles and techniques. This period saw increased interest in realism and some early forms of impressionism.
And with the rapid industrialization of Europe and Russia, artists focused on depicting the rapidly changing world around them. In particular, they were interested in the effects of industrialization and technology on everyday life. They were fascinated by the new forms of transportation, like trains and ships, and architectural changes that resulted from advances in construction techniques and materials.
Modern art has given rise to a vast array of styles and techniques. It is difficult to narrow this broad category down to a few representative examples, but the following artists are good places to start: Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin, Georges Braque, Piet Mondrian, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
These artists had different approaches and interests, but they all experimented with new ways of creating art that pushed past traditional boundaries.
Types of Modern Art
The most popular styles of modern art include:
Symbolism
This movement took place in France and Belgium during the late 19th century. Artists like Odilon Redon and Gustave Moreau, who focused on creating mysterious works that explored the inner world through symbols and metaphors, led it. The most prominent example of this style is Gustav Klimt’s painting “The Kiss.”
Fauvism
This was an early 20th-century art movement that took place in France. Henri Matisse and André Derain, who wanted to create vivid paintings that reflected the energy of sunlight, led it. Their works often featured bright colours and simplified shapes that conveyed emotion rather than realism.
Cubism
This early 20th-century art movement took place in Paris and Berlin. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, who wanted to create new ways of seeing the world through geometric shapes, led it.
Their works often contained multiple images juxtaposed at different angles or perspectives on one canvas. This created an effect similar to looking at a photograph under a microscope or in a mirror that reflects more than one image.
Futurism
This was an early 20th-century art movement that took place in Italy. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti led it. He wanted to create new ways of seeing the world through technology. Futurism focused on using industrial materials and machines to create works of art that reflected their fast-paced lifestyle.
Expressionism
This was an early 20th-century art movement that took place in Germany. It focused on using intense colour and bold brushstrokes to capture emotions rather than create realistic portraits of people or objects. Expressionist artists wanted viewers to feel their feelings through the paintings they created.
Suprematism
This was an early 20th-century art movement that took place in Russia. Suprematists wanted to create a new form of abstract art that reflected their fast-paced lifestyle. They used simple geometric shapes and primary colours to capture emotions rather than create realistic portraits of people or objects.
Mediums of Modern Art
Modern art is a broad category that includes many mediums. Here are some of the most popular:
Painting
Painting is one of the most common mediums used by modern artists. Artists can do it on canvas, wood, or paper, which usually features oil, acrylic, or water-based paints. Painting is often used to create portraits or landscapes that are realistic representations of the subject.
Sculpture
Sculptures are another popular medium for modern artists. It can be done using various materials, including clay, metal, and wood. You can buy sculpture online in multiple forms, including figurines, busts, and statues. Sculptures are often designed to be lifelike representations of people or animals.
Photography
Photography is a popular medium among modern artists. It can be done with digital cameras and often features abstract, surreal, or conceptual images. Photographers often use the medium to capture landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. Artists can also use photography to create works of art that combine multiple images into one cohesive piece.
Another popular form of photography is vintage photography. Vintage photography is a style of photography that features old-fashioned cameras and film. The goal is to capture the feeling of nostalgia, which artists can do with black-and-white or sepia films.
You can also get vintage photographs for sale online. Vintage photography is a great way to capture the past and preserve it for future generations. It’s also a fun recreation for those who love photography.
Graffiti
Many people question the validity of graffiti as a legitimate form of art. However, graffiti has been around for centuries and continues to evolve today. Graffiti artists use spray paint or markers to create their works on walls and other surfaces.
Some people consider graffiti vandalism because it can damage property, but many famous artists have used this medium for artistic expression.
Digital art
Digital art is computer-generated art that uses computers to create and manipulate images. Artists may use various programs, such as Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter, to create digital paintings or drawings.
The process usually begins with an idea for a work the artist wants to realize. From there, they can choose from various tools provided by their software to put together the image.
Where Can You Purchase Modern Art?
Given how technology is rapidly changing, it’s no surprise that there are many ways to purchase modern art. If you’re interested in buying a piece of art as an investment, you can contact galleries or auction houses specializing in the sale of fine art.
Modern art has a long history, so there are many pieces of art to choose from. You can also buy modern art online and have it shipped directly to your home. The easiest way to purchase contemporary art is through online galleries, which offer a wide range of options at prices that are usually lower than those found at galleries in person. Most of these sites also provide information about the artist or gallery and any relevant news related to their work.
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