What Is Modern Art?

As an artist, when I think of contemporary art, I consider works created within a broader historical context, often within the last 100 years. In the art world, various art styles are referred to as “-isms.” You may recall learning about Naturalism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and others in a humanities class. Some of these “-isms” are overarching categories with several sub-isms beneath them, and this is true for Modernism.

Modernism was an all-encompassing movement that included other movements as well. It occurred during the early part of the 20th century, and although the sub-categories within Modernism can be quite different from one another, they all share a rejection of Naturalism and Academicism—styles that followed strict rules of painting that could be taught in school and closely resembled the natural world. Instead, Modernists favored experimental art.

As the modern world was changing, art needed to evolve too. Modern art aimed to explore this new world, and artists chose various ways to do so. Regardless of the form of expression, all styles represent each artist’s unique vision of life in their own way. Some sub-isms of Modernism and their explorations include: Expressionism, which delves into emotions and mental states; Constructivism, focusing on social purpose; Surrealism, attempting to express the unconscious mind; and Cubism, examining the nature of representation.

These are just a few of the styles encompassed by Modernism. Some are vastly different, while others overlap, but for all these artists, art became a way to discover truth—be it a modern truth of Futurism or a universal truth of Suprematism. Each artist sought to find answers to fundamental questions about the nature of art and human experience in their own way.

Modernism persisted for about three-quarters of the 20th century, and by the 1970s, artists were transitioning to Postmodernism. Interestingly, architects led the development of Postmodernism, while much of Postmodern graphic art critiques modern society.

Understanding a bit about Modernism and Postmodernism is helpful when discussing contemporary art. It’s also beneficial to be familiar with art world terminology to use it accurately and avoid confusion when conversing with experts.

So, what exactly is contemporary art? For non-artists, all art created in the last 100 years is considered contemporary art, as the term “contemporary” relates to the present or recent times. In my view, modern art encompasses all these “-isms.” Modern art does not directly resemble its subject but is abstract. It may be more challenging to understand, but sometimes comprehension is not the point; art is meant to be enjoyed.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME