When discussing the difference between modern and contemporary art it is important to tell the story of Gustave Courbet, a French painter who spearheaded the Realist movement in 19th century French painting. By challenging the prevailing concepts and the Romanticism of the foregoing generation of artists of his time, and committing to painting only what his eyes can see, Courbet showcased an ‘independent mind’ that influenced many artists who blossomed later, most especially the Cubists and Impressionists.
How Courbet Buried Romanticism, and Gave Birth to Modern Art?
A Burial at Ornans by Gustav Courbet, was a revolutionary painting, which opened the doors for the concept – Modernism
The painting above portrays the burial of Courbet’s great uncle in the small French town of Ornans. Unlike most painting of that period, this painting depicted the scene without any exaggerated visual components. It stayed true to Courbet’s realist technique of only painting what he can see. It is obvious that the painting lacks the romanticism of grief and mourning that can easily be found in all customary Romantic paintings.
When Courbet painted this during the years 1849–50, the art world still operates under traditional methods – the most famous of which is the Romanticism style. So, it was understandable that critics decried Courbet’s painting by pointing out his technique and realism of the image as well as its uncanny 10 feet by 22 feet size. Defying the conventional components present in all work of art during his time, by using real people present at the burial, as subjects instead of art models, Courbet essentially gave birth to Modern Art.
“The Burial at Ornans was in reality the burial of Romanticism” as Courbet said. Nobody among his circle and even himself would anticipate that his painting would signal the start of a revolution in the world of art.
By developing a distinct style, Gustave Courbet etched his place in the history of art when he as the ‘first modern artist’ thus officially beginning the Modern Art Period.
Difference between Modern and Contemporary Art
Modern art is a term that signifies the philosophy and style of the artworks produced during the 1890-1960 era. The main objective of Modern art was to set aside the traditions of the past and put more emphasis on experimentation with new perspective of seeing the world. People often get confused with the word ‘modern’, as a term to describe something new and fashionable, but rather it refers to the artworks produced during the time period mentioned above
Contemporary art is the art produced by living artists, who produce the most up-to-date artworks. By definition, Contemporary Art refers to work of arts made since the aftermath of World War II and is used to describe the works of artists still living and creating art works. Contemporary art took the main ingredients of Modern Art into greater heights by focusing more on social, economic and political matters, and also uses diverse materials and mediums to produce art work.
How Modern Art ushered a new era in the world of art?
The Modernism movement introduced many fresh concepts in the world of art. All of a sudden many artists started exploring dreams, symbolism and personal iconography as their signature. Modern artists also experimented with the expressive use of color, non-traditional materials and mediums.
Pablo Picasso for one devised a new style of painting called Cubism known for its geometric forms. The innovative invention of film camera expanded the evolution of modern art – The introduction of the art photography in the 1830’s presented artists a new medium for illustrating the world.
Characteristics and Leading Figures of Modern Art
Modern Art is used to convey the era of ‘Modernism’, a time where art is described with various terms ending with ‘ism’s’ such as; Fauvism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Dadaism, Cubism, Surrealism, Expressionism, Pop Art and many other art movements. All of it formed the foundation of Modernism Art. These art movements were influenced by a number of factors like; African and Asian Art, Light, Culture, History etc.
Some of the most well-known ‘Modernist Masters’ include; Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Paul Cézanne, Andre Derain, Henri Matisse, Henri de Toulouse, Piet Mondrian, Raoul Dufy, Maurice de Vlaminck, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Wassily Kandinsky, and Édouard Manet just to name a few.
The Birth of Contemporary Art
By definition, Contemporary Art refers to work of arts made since the aftermath of World War II and is used to describe the works of artists still living and creating art works.
Historically, the term ‘Contemporary’ can be traced back to the beginnings of Modernism but as a special type of art, and not one to describe a period in art. One of the earliest times the term was used was in 1910, when art critic Roger Fry founded the Contemporary Art Society in London. In the aftermath of World War II, the term started to be used to define the art movement, which critics point to as the era where ‘modern art’ ceased being ‘contemporary’ enough to cater to the taste of the younger art enthusiasts.
Characteristics of Contemporary Art
The Contemporary Art era is known to produce more experimental works and tackles a wider variety of social, economic and political issues. It made art as a whole to reflect the current issues that hound our world today, such as racism, globalization, third-world country oppression, feminism among many others. Over the last 30
It made art as a whole to reflect the current issues that hound our world today, such as racism, globalization, third-world country oppression, feminism among many others. Over the last 30 years, we have seen a growing list of artworks that brings awareness towards the most perplexing and important matters. Guided by the emerging mediums such as art salons, video art, object design, graphical arts and social media, Contemporary Art has broken down walls and looks headed to a limitless future
Guided by the emerging mediums such as art salons, video art, object design, graphical arts and social media, Contemporary Art has broken down walls and looks headed to a limitless future
What the Future of Art will be?
Thanks largely to new technologies; art has become available to a larger audience and artists. With all the great things, the future will also be besieged with unpleasant eventualities.
Barbican’s Rain Room: it’s raining, but you won’t get wet is a classic example how contemporary artists experimenting with art with new mediums
We will see too many art exhibitions participated by non-deserving artists and in an art world plagued by too many of them, it will take more than better judgment and art appreciation to crawl out of the curatorial jumble just to discover the great ones. Social media will further increase access to photography, video, graphic arts and art installations, attracting scores of trash art but those with amazing art quality and messages will still find a way to survive. The Contemporary art is alive than ever before and more eyes will be on the lookout for the next Banksy or any other fresh art sensation.
With emerging mediums and technologies, today is a great time to become an artist.
By being highly creative and guided with deep thinking, you can reach your dreams and create a series of art works that would make even the most hardcore Modern Art connoisseur appreciate Contemporary Art more. What Gustave Courbat has done in the past can very well be replicated by none other than you.
Understanding the World of Arts 