Understanding Contemporary Art

The world of contemporary art can confuse and frustrate many art lovers and non art lovers alike. Art happening "now" can take on a variety of shapes, sizes and many times materials outside the traditional mediums of fine art. Not only does it look different, it can be displayed differently and explained in a multitude of ways.  

Often contemporary art is not straight forward and direct, skills like close looking and critical thinking are required. Enjoying the art of "now" is as much an exercise for your eyes as it is your brain. These attributes may appear as a series of challenges, I however, feel it comes with the territory and should be embraced. There are no rules that state a viewer must enjoy all artwork and contemporary art is no exception. 

Where an exception does exist, is in the approach to viewing this artwork. Here are 10 characteristics, I believe contemporary art can possess. Using one of these as your lens through which you view the artwork may help you understand the meaning and heighten your appreciation. 

1. Object
-The object is not always the most important piece of the artwork.
-Sometimes the process is the art.

2. Meaning
-What is the purpose?
-What does the artwork represent? To you, the artist, the community, etc.

3. Critical Questions
-Does this artwork only challenge and ask questions or does it answer them?
-Are we called to ask and or answer questions?
-What is our response and what are we going to do in reaction?

4. In Response
-Similar to #3 artwork can be made as a response to an event globally, locally and or personally. 

5. Beauty
-Somethings never change. Art can still be made to be admired.

6. Experimentation
-Trial & error.
-Problem solving, showing what worked and what did not.
-Answering a question in a creative way.

7. Collaboration
-A team working towards a common end.

8. Mixed Media
-Traditional art forms, mixed with common or strange materials not typically considered art.

9. Conceptual
-Playing the mental game as well as engaging the senses.

10. Temporary
-Some art isn't meant to stand the test of time. Why is that? What is the bigger statement or motivation behind this limitation? 

Contemporary art is always changing, yet often artists draw upon the canon of art history for inspiration. I encourage you when confronted with contemporary art to take one or more of the above themes into consideration. Remember to give yourself time with the art and to challenge yourself to discover its purpose. Question, look again, and remember to enjoy the experience. 

                                                                                                   Samantha