contemporary art turns out to be one of those things most people love to hate. ever since photography was invented, art strayed from being figurative and it become increasingly abstract and conceptual. and concurrently further away from most people’s grasp.
i believe that people should stop expecting art to be exclusively beautiful. and they should start looking for interesting art. it is absolutely alright if you don’t like some of it. most probably, you don’t get the context. but who can know it all?
contemporary art is a communication exercise. it’s a context game. an anthropological game. it’s fishing together with the author in the collective consciousness. it’s letting go of expectations.
enjoying this new art can be challenging. but stop expecting and just take that proverbial leap of faith.
the artists of today’s world use more than just paint an canvas. and their range of media is wider every day. they do digital, large scale installations, light pieces. actually, they can use pretty much anything you can think of, including fog, wax and sometimes the viewers themselves.
to make it even more confusing, but exciting as well, there are cross-over artists. their art has less to do with actual art and more to do the architecture, furniture making, fashion and even gastronomy. and the list is endless. because who knows where art starts? and where it ends?
the business of art in contemporary times reached its all time peak. you have probably heard of art tycoons such as larry gagosian or charles saatchi. they are some of the top vectors of the present ebullience surrounding today’s art. also, they are probably the ones who abolished the concept of the starving artist. nowadays, established artists can expect their pieces to sell for millions at auctions.
my final piece of advice? try giving contemporary art a chance. the more you will do it, the more you will enjoy it.
photo credits: google search
8 comments
Tudor says:
Feb 11, 2013
I saw Anish Kapoor giving a lecture in Guggenheim! I liked it. Also one of his works was exhibited. Not the smoke one. I love his use of strong colours!
little aesthete says:
Feb 11, 2013
i envy you! i saw his works on show but i have never seen him in person :)
child says:
Feb 14, 2013
the first pic is absolutely amazing, i like the contrast between white and bloody red :)
little aesthete says:
Feb 14, 2013
site-specific anish kapoor :)
Dorin says:
Feb 14, 2013
In my opinion we’re not talking about fear. But as long as the contemporary art is a love it or hate it form of art I think it’s normal to discover such big discrepancies between its fans and “haters”… De gustibus my dear… ;)
little aesthete says:
Feb 14, 2013
we need open minds :)
alaxandra says:
Feb 16, 2013
hmm…interesting! :)
little aesthete says:
Feb 16, 2013
i’m glad i got you thinking :)