Modern vs. Contemporary
Modern has multiple definitions dependent upon the context in which it is used. Generally speaking, modern refers to something current or up-to-date; historically modern (Modernity) often refers to anything from the industrial revolution to present. Modern Art (Modernism), however, identifies approximately a century of art and related cultural changes (1860-1970-ish), and was overarching movement containing many smaller movements (several of which will be addressed in future blog entries!).
Some of the key concerns of Modern Art:
-breaking with tradition, experimentation
-expression of emotions and other intangibles
-development and use of new types of materials
-use of exaggerated, unnatural color and form
-acceptance of form as subject and content, rise of abstraction
Pablo Picasso, Les Demoiselles de Avignon. 1905
Piet Mondrian. Composition with Yellow, Blue and Red. 1921
Contemporary should be used in reference to art from 1970 (ish) to present.
Movement vs. Genre
An art movement describes a trend amongst multiple artists caused by similarities in concerns, whether aesthetic or conceptual. These "organized" tendencies also tend to have time parameters, a general starting and ending date. Examples of art movements include Impressionism, Futurism, Dada, and the Fluxus movement. Movements are often bookended by other movements, as these trends often were inspired by or in rejection to previous movements.
Genre refers to categories of subject in art, such as landscape, portraiture, abstraction, or mythology. Genres are not date specific, and do not necessarily share characteristics with other art/artists outside of basic subject matter.
(source used: artlex.com)
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