CHALLENGING THE CANVAS: APPRECIATING TODAY’S ART LANDSCAPE

Post image for CHALLENGING THE CANVAS: APPRECIATING TODAY’S ART LANDSCAPE

by Nia Liat on January 14, 2025

in Art and Museums,Extras

Art has an important role to play in shaping the world we live in, transforming and remaking much of the (outward) appearance of familiar scenes. From the buildings we call home to the objects we have and use, art produces the environment of our daily lives, making it more colorful and rhythmic. An artist’s work is influenced by the trends and aspirations of their age, giving form to the passionate concern with mathematical precision. No matter how they may arise, forms of modern art point to what our culture has become, and we often take this pervasive unity for granted. 

Is Modern Art And Contemporary Art The Same? 

The terms modern and contemporary art are often used interchangeably, though they shouldn’t be. Within the context of art history, modern art designates art that was created from the 1860s to the late 1960s, predominantly in Western Europe and North America, and is characterized by reference to the sequential development of styles, periods, and schools, such as impressionism, cubism, and abstract expressionism. Art made thereafter is considered contemporary. Contemporary art tends to be examined thematically and subjectively, drawing on various theoretical and practical disciplines. The selection of works displayed in a museum illustrates the way artists broke with centuries-old traditions of making art. 

Online Galleries Play A Crucial Role In Supporting Artists And The Creative Industry 

Gallery spaces exist to support emerging artists, allowing them to gain experience by showcasing their work and putting together exhibitions, which help bring the essence and emotions of art to the people who admire and understand it. You can discover and buy exciting art for sale online that aligns with your taste and budget. Through digitization, we can remain connected to every corner of the world, and art galleries are capitalizing on the possibilities offered by new technologies to create connections between artists, communities, and modern or contemporary art. Online galleries provide unprecedented access to collections and exhibitions irrespective of geographical constraints. 

There are many advantages to shopping online, such as skipping the queue, great selections, and 24/7 availability. You can buy almost anything online these days, and art makes no exception; still, you need to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive analysis and understanding of all the factors involved (payment, website security, return policy, etc.). Art buyers can explore all kinds of forms of expressive creation, such as paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, drawings, and so forth. Online art galleries currently use 360-degree panoramic views, meaning you can experience art as if you were physically present, regardless of time and place. 

Give Yourself A Break And Encounter A Work Of Art 

There are as many ways of looking at art as there are beholders, which means that art appreciation is subjective, and our backgrounds, experiences, and emotions shape how we interpret and respond to a piece of art. Modern art remains a mystery because we’re unable to see beyond the confines of classical aesthetics, where everything is judged in terms of beauty and technical skill. Artistic meaning isn’t fixed, so viewers should explore the different dimensions of the artwork. If you want to understand modern art, you must be conscious of the fact that a modern piece of art invokes a strange and imaginative world that the artist has uncovered or created. It’s not an end in itself. 

Here are some tips to help you appreciate art more deeply: 

Get In The Right Mindset

When looking at an artwork, approach it with an open mind, in other words, don’t try to make assumptions about what the artist is trying to convey or how you should be feeling. If you go in assuming you simply can’t understand art, chances are you won’t. Treat art with consideration, gentleness, and thoughtfulness. You’re not supposed to grasp everything fully at first glance. In dense cities with lots of art, it’s recommended to plan your trip ahead of time – select a destination, do some research, focus on what you like, and just get lost. 

Don’t Try And See Everything

Art can be found in many places, both offline and online, such as museums, galleries, schools, cultural centers, art parks, and websites or platforms. You can visit and revisit a collection, saying hello to familiar pieces while getting to see the new and different works that are brought in for exhibitions. Art galleries feel a lot more like museums and don’t charge admission. Your visit is an active, not a passive, undertaking, so spare just a short amount of time to engage with individual works. There’s no right or wrong way to read a piece, and galleries can be excellent to visit even if you’re not interested in buying anything. 

Take Inventory And Notice Context

Tap into your curiosity and ask yourself questions like, “When was the piece created?”, “Who is the artist?” and “What is exciting about this artwork?”. You can also look around the piece to see if it’s presented in an ornate, gilt frame or a simple one; marginal as it may be, it’s never entirely neutral. It’s up to you to determine what information you’d like about the artwork. There’s some kind of label or placard nearby that includes key things of interest, such as the artist’s name, a title, and a date, but it won’t give you a complete understanding of the artwork. 

What Will The Future Of Contemporary Art Look Like? 

The driving force of history is innovation, progress, and improvement. Sustainable solutions are necessary to address any issues caused by innovation, and this poses a challenge for contemporary art, as people turn to art for relief from empty commodity novelty. Given that the world is much more unpredictable than ever before, trying to anticipate the future of contemporary art is hard, if not impossible. Handling the unexpected effectively requires cultivating a resilient mindset. 

Leave a Comment