Modern art is a specific artistic style movement that began in the nineteenth century and lasted until the 1970s, and many art historians agree that it overlaps with the contemporary art movement in terms of time. Its main characteristics include a break from traditional viewpoints and experimentation with media and subjects that were previously regarded as unusual or even controversial. Some of the most well-known works of modern art emphasize emotional expression rather than stoic restraint, and many early modern artists drew inspiration from Enlightenment philosophical ideas. Technology advancements and rising rates of intercultural exchange also aided the development of modern art.
One of the primary goals of some contemporary artists’ work is to accurately depict society as they believe it will be during their lifetimes. This practice stands out in comparison to previous art movements, which largely glorified or idealized the past. Beginning in the 1880s, depictions of everyday life became popular in modern art, and several artists of the time began to create works that addressed social issues such as economic inequality. Traditional art critics’ reactions ranged from dismissive to shocked in some cases.
Another important factor in modern art is usually expressive freedom; this is the first time in art history when artists felt free to use their own internal visions as starting points rather than the conservative formulas for creating art that had previously been the norm. Some works of visual art, such as paintings and sculptures, were created to defy established artistic conventions, such as keeping paint inside a canvas frame or placing a sculpture on a proper pedestal.
Contemporary art is generally thought to be a later phase of the modern art movement, which began in the 1960s and continues in various forms today. Computer animation, digital photography, and video installations are examples of new media art created through experimentation with digital technology. Some contemporary artists are also experimenting with the roles of the artist and the audience, which has led to the creation of interactive art. Instead of a passive audience observing pieces in a gallery exhibit, this medium requires that each viewer become a part of the artwork for a brief period of time, usually interacting with a camera or other type of electronic input device.