It is customary to call contemporary art all kinds of artistic movements that developed at the end of the 20th century. In the post-war period, it was a kind of outlet that once again taught people to dream and invent new realities of life.
Tired of the shackles of the harsh rules of the past, young artists decided to break the old artistic norms. They sought to create new, previously unknown practices. Opposing themselves to modernism, they turned to new ways of revealing their stories. The artist and the concept behind his creation have become much more important than the very result of creative activity. The desire to move away from the erected framework led to the emergence of new genres.
Disputes began to arise among artists about the meaning of art and the ways of expressing it. What is art? By what means can genuine art be achieved? Conceptualists and minimalists found the answer for themselves in the phrase: "If art can be everything, then it can be nothing." For them, the departure from the usual visual means resulted in various actions, happenings and performances. What is the peculiarity of contemporary art in the 21st century? This is what we will talk about in the article.
The art of the 21st century in 3D graphics is famous. With the development of computer technology, artists have access to new means of creating their art. The essence of three-dimensional graphics is to create images by modeling objects in three-dimensional space. If we consider most forms of modern art in the 21st century, the creation of three-dimensional images will be the most traditional. 3D graphics have many sides, in the truest sense of the word. It is used when creating programs, games, images and videos on a computer. But it can also be seen right under your feet - on the pavement.
Three-dimensional graphics moved to the streets several decades ago and since that time has remained one of the most important forms of street art. Many artists draw three-dimensional images on their "pictures" that can amaze with their realism. Edgar Müller, Eduardo Rolero, Kurt Wenner and many other contemporary artists today create art that can surprise anyone.
Previously, the occupation was the lot of wealthy people. For centuries it was hidden by the walls of special institutions, where access to the uninitiated was closed. Obviously, his grandiose strength could not languish forever inside stuffy buildings. It was then that it got out - into the gray gloomy streets. Chosen to change your history forever. Although at first it was not so easy.
Not everyone was happy about his birth. Many considered it the result of a bad experience. Some even refused to pay attention to its existence. Meanwhile, the brainchild continued to grow and develop.
Street artists faced hardships along the way. With all its variety of forms, street art was sometimes difficult to distinguish from vandalism.
It all started in the 70s of the last century in New York. At this time, street art was in its infancy. And Julio 204 and Taki 183 supported his life. They left inscriptions in different places in their area, after expanding the territory of distribution. Other guys decided to compete with them. It was then that the most interesting began. Enthusiasm and desire to show off resulted in a battle of creativity. Everyone was eager to discover for themselves and others a more original way to make their mark.
In 1981, street art managed to cross the ocean. In this he was helped by a street artist from France BlekleRat. He is considered one of the first graffiti artists in Paris. He is also called the father of stencil graffiti. His signature touch is drawings of rats, which refers to the name of their creator. The author noticed that after rearranging the letters in the word rat (rat), art (art) is obtained. Blek once remarked: "The rat is the only free animal in Paris that goes everywhere, just like street art."
The most famous street artist is Banksy, who calls BlekleRat his main teacher. The topical work of this talented Briton is able to silence everyone. In his drawings, created using stencils, he denounces modern society with its vices. Banksy tends to be traditional, allowing you to leave an even greater impression on the audience. An interesting fact is that until now the identity of Banksy is shrouded in mystery. No one has yet managed to solve the riddle of the artist's personality.
Meanwhile, street art is rapidly gaining momentum. Once relegated to marginal currents, street art has risen to the stage of auctions. The works of artists are sold for fabulous sums by those who once refused to talk about him. What is it, the life-giving force of art or mainstream trends?
To date, there are several rather interesting manifestations of contemporary art. Overview of the most unusual forms of contemporary art will be brought to your attention below.
The term readymade comes from English, which means "ready". In fact, the goal of this direction is not to create anything material. The main idea here is that depending on the environment of an object, the perception of a person and the object itself changes. The ancestor of the current is Marcel Duchamp. His most famous work is "Fountain", which is a urinal with an autograph and a date.
Anamorphoses are called the technique of creating images in such a way that it is possible to fully see them only from a certain angle. One of the brightest representatives of this trend is the Frenchman Bernard Pras. He creates installations using whatever comes to hand. Thanks to his skill, he manages to create amazing works, which, however, can only be seen from a certain angle.
One of the most controversial currents in modern art of the 21st century is drawing, painted with human fluids. Often followers of this modern art form use blood and urine. The color of the paintings in this case often takes on a gloomy, frightening look. Herman Nitsch, for example, uses animal blood and urine. The author explains the use of such unexpected materials by the difficult childhood that came during the Second World War.
A brief history of painting contains information that the end of the 20th century became the starting point for many cult artists of our time. In the difficult post-war years, the sphere experienced its rebirth. Artists sought to discover new facets of their capabilities.
Kazimir Malevich is considered to be the creator of Suprematism. Being the main theorist, he proclaimed Suprematism as a way of purifying art from everything superfluous. Rejecting the usual ways of conveying the image, the artists sought to free art from the non-artistic. The most important work in this genre is the famous "Black Square" by Malevich.
Pop art has its origins in the United States. In the postwar years, society has experienced global changes. People could now afford more. Consumption has become an essential part of life. People began to be erected into a cult, and consumer products - into symbols. Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol and other followers of the current sought to use these symbols in their paintings.
Futurism was discovered in 1910. The main idea of this trend was the desire for a new, the destruction of the framework of the past. The artists depicted this desire with the help of a special technique. Sharp strokes, influxes, connections and intersections are signs of futurism. The most famous representatives of futurism are Marinetti, Severini, Carra.
Contemporary art in Russia (21st century) has smoothly flowed from the underground, "unofficial" art of the USSR. Young artists of the 90s were looking for new ways to realize their artistic ambitions in a new country. At this time, Moscow actionism was born. His followers challenged the past and its ideology. The destruction of borders (in the literal and figurative sense of the word) made it possible to depict the attitude of the younger generation to the situation in the country. Contemporary art of the 21st century has become expressive, frightening, shocking. The one from which the society closed for so long. Actions of Anatoly Osmolovsky ("Mayakovsky - Osmolovsky", "Against All", "Barricade on Bolshaya Nikitskaya"), the "ETI" movement ("ETI-text"), Oleg Kulik ("Piglet distributes gifts", "Mad Dog or the Last Taboo guarded by a lone Cerberus"), Avdey Ter-Oganyan ("Pop Art") forever changed the history of contemporary art.
Slava ATGM is a contemporary artist from Yekaterinburg. Some of his work may remind the work of Banksy. However, Slava's works carry ideas and feelings familiar only to a Russian citizen. One of his most notable works is the "Land of Opportunities" campaign. The artist created an inscription made of crutches on the building of an abandoned hospital in Yekaterinburg. Slava bought crutches from the inhabitants of the city, who once used them. The artist announced the action on his page on the social network, supplementing it with an appeal to fellow citizens.
Perhaps, at one time, contemporary visual art of the 21st century seemed to be a marginal environment, but today more and more people are striving to join a new field of art. More and more museums are opening their doors to new means of expression. New York holds the record for contemporary art. There are also two museums that are among the best in the world.
The first is MoMA, which is a repository of paintings by Matisse, Dali, Warhol. The second is a museum. The unusual architecture of the building is adjacent to the creations of Picasso, Marc Chagall, Kandinsky and many others.
Europe is also famous for its magnificent museums of contemporary art of the 21st century. The KIASMA museum in Helsinki allows you to touch the objects of the exhibition. The center in the capital of France impresses with unusual architecture and works of contemporary artists. Stedelijkmuseum in Amsterdam houses the largest collection of paintings by Malevich. in the capital of Great Britain has a huge number of modern art objects. The Vienna Museum of Modern Art has works by Andy Warhol and other talented contemporary artists.
Modern art of the 21st century (painting) - mysterious, incomprehensible, bewitching, has forever changed the vector of development not only of a separate sphere, but of the whole life of mankind. It reflects and creates modernity at the same time. Constantly changing, the art of modernity allows a person who is constantly in a hurry to stop for a moment. Pause to remember the feelings deep inside. Stop to pick up the pace again and rush into the whirlwind of events and affairs.
The majestic and diverse Russian painting always pleases the audience with its inconstancy and perfection of art forms. This is the peculiarity of the works of famous masters of art. They always surprised with their unusual approach to work, reverent attitude to the feelings and sensations of each person. Perhaps that is why Russian artists so often depicted portrait compositions that vividly combined emotional images and epicly calm motifs. No wonder Maxim Gorky once said that an artist is the heart of his country, the voice of the entire era. Indeed, the majestic and elegant paintings of Russian artists vividly convey the inspiration of their time. Like the aspirations of the famous author Anton Chekhov, many sought to bring into Russian paintings the unique flavor of their people, as well as the unquenchable dream of beauty. It is difficult to underestimate the extraordinary canvases of these masters of majestic art, because truly extraordinary works of various genres were born under their brush. Academic painting, portrait, historical painting, landscape, works of romanticism, modernism or symbolism - all of them still bring joy and inspiration to their viewers. Everyone finds in them something more than colorful colors, graceful lines and inimitable genres of world art. Perhaps such an abundance of forms and images that Russian painting surprises with is connected with the huge potential of the surrounding world of artists. Levitan also said that in every note of lush nature there is a majestic and unusual palette of colors. With such a beginning, a magnificent expanse appears for the artist's brush. Therefore, all Russian paintings are distinguished by their exquisite severity and attractive beauty, from which it is so difficult to break away.Russian painting is rightly distinguished from world art. The fact is that until the seventeenth century, domestic painting was associated exclusively with a religious theme. The situation changed with the coming to power of the tsar-reformer - Peter the Great. Thanks to his reforms, Russian masters began to engage in secular painting, and icon painting separated as a separate direction. The seventeenth century is the time of such artists as Simon Ushakov and Iosif Vladimirov. Then, in the Russian art world, the portrait was born and quickly became popular. In the eighteenth century, the first artists appeared who switched from portraiture to landscape painting. The pronounced sympathy of the masters for winter panoramas is noticeable. The eighteenth century was also remembered for the birth of everyday painting. In the nineteenth century, three trends gained popularity in Russia: romanticism, realism and classicism. As before, Russian artists continued to turn to the portrait genre. It was then that world-famous portraits and self-portraits of O. Kiprensky and V. Tropinin appeared. In the second half of the nineteenth century, artists more and more often depict the simple Russian people in their oppressed state. Realism becomes the central trend of painting of this period. It was then that the Wanderers appeared, depicting only real, real life. Well, the twentieth century is, of course, the avant-garde. The artists of that time significantly influenced both their followers in Russia and around the world. Their paintings became the forerunners of abstractionism. Russian painting is a huge wonderful world of talented artists who glorified Russia with their creations
Levitan, Shishkin, Aivazovsky and many other names are familiar to every educated person in our country and abroad. This is our pride. There are many talented artists today. It's just that their names are not so widely known yet.
Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Italian artist Aurelio Bruni. He lives and works in Umbria. The artist paints in the style of hyperrealism and symbolism, organized 25 solo exhibitions, participated in 53 collective exhibitions, has 10 different awards and prizes.
The Road to York via Sledmir is a painting by renowned contemporary British artist David Hockney. On June 21, 2006, Hockney's Splash was sold for £2.6 million. His "Grand Canyon" painting, consisting of 60 small paintings combined to reproduce one huge painting, was purchased by the National Gallery of Australia for $4.6 million. The painting "Housewife of Beverly Hills" sold for $ 7.9 million at Christie's, in New York. In 2016, his landscape "Waldgate Forest" was sold at Sotheby's for 9.4 million pounds. This price became a new record for David Hockney.
Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary American artist Warren Chang. Thanks to the masterful transmission of light and muted tones, his paintings look very realistic, perfectly convey emotions and moods. Most of his paintings depict people engaged in their professional activities or daily activities. He also paints interior paintings. Warren Chang has many different titles and awards. Lives and works in Monterey, California.
The painting is an abstraction of the modern famous German artist Gerhard Richter, who is one of the richest artists in the world. The painting shown in this photo was sold in London at Sotheby's for $ 44.52 million (30.4 million).
Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary French artist Martial Rice. In 1993, one of his works was bought by billionaire Francois Pinault. In 2011, Rice's painting "Last Year in Capri" was sold for $ 6.58 million at Christie's auction (at the highest price among all previously sold works by other living French artists). In 2013, he entered the Top 50 Most Expensive Living Artists.
Painting by the famous contemporary Canadian artist Albini Leblanc, master of miniature urban landscapes with a palette knife. The artist lives and works in Quebec. His work can be seen in art galleries in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Quebec. Albini Leblanc organized 15 solo exhibitions, participated in 7 collective exhibitions, has 8 different awards and prizes.
Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Japanese artist Tomoko Kashiki. The artist organized solo exhibitions in Singapore, France and Japan, participated in collective exhibitions in China, the USA, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Her work can be seen in public collections at the Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Australia; in one of the largest Japanese insurance companies - Dai-ichi Life Insurance Limited; at the Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania, Australia; in Toyota Art Collection.
Painting "Coloring" by the famous contemporary Ukrainian artist Oleg Tistol. This painting was sold at Phillips for $53,900. According to Forbes, Oleg Tistol is one of the three most successful artists in Ukraine. He was born in Vradievka, Mykolaiv region, lives and works in Kyiv, is a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, took part in many exhibitions in Ukraine, Russia, Estonia, Poland, USA, Iceland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Great Britain, Denmark, Brazil, Germany , Norway, France and Italy. Oleg Tistol participated in the biennale: in 1994 - "September 17th", the 22nd Biennale in Sao Paulo; in 2001 - "The First Ukrainian Project", 49th Venice Biennale. His paintings are in collections: at the PinchukArtCentre, Kyiv, Ukraine; in the Norton Dodge Collection, USA; at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; at the Christoph Merian Stiftung Foundation, in Basel, Switzerland; at the Ministry of Culture of Turkey, in Ankara; at the Museum of the History of Moscow, Russia.
Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Polish artist Wojciech Babski. The artist lives and works in Katowice. It is popular not only in Poland, but also abroad. Wojciech Babski received the following awards: 1st place in the nomination "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of pop art paintings; 1st place in the nomination "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of paintings commenting on politics; 3rd place in the nomination "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of acrylic paintings; 4th and 5th place in the nomination "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of expressionism.
The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Belarusian artist Anna Silivonchik. The artist was born in Gomel, today she lives and works in Minsk. Silivonchik Anna is a member of the Belarusian Union of Artists, was awarded the medal "Talent and Vocation" of the international alliance "Peacemaker", her works are in the National Museum of the Republic of Belarus, the Museum of Modern Art in Minsk, the Museum of Contemporary Russian Art in Jersey City (USA), funds Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble, Yelabuga State Museum-Reserve in Russia, private collections in Belarus, Russia, France, USA, Japan, Israel, Italy, Germany and Poland. In the period from 2001 to 2016, the artist organized many solo exhibitions in Belarus, Russia, Germany and Ukraine, and also participated in collective exhibitions in Belarus, USA, Russia, Estonia, Ukraine, Latvia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany , Hungary, the Netherlands and Kazakhstan.
Painting by the famous contemporary Turkish artist Gurbuz Dogan Ekshioglu. The world famous Turkish cartoonist and graphic artist, originally from Ordu, has over 70 awards, about a third of which are international. Grbz Doan Ekiolu participated in many collective exhibitions both in Turkey and abroad, held more than 20 solo exhibitions, one of which was held in New York. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, and has graced the covers of New Yorker and Forbes magazines.
Painting by the famous contemporary Egyptian artist Hossam Dirar. The artist was born, lives and works in Cairo. Hossam Dirar has had many solo exhibitions in countries such as Bahrain, UK, Slovakia, Italy, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Egypt. He also participated in collective exhibitions in Germany, Egypt and South Africa.
The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi "The Last Supper". This painting in October 2013 in Hong Kong at Sotheby's was sold for 23.3 million US dollars, setting a new record for contemporary Asian art. Earlier, in May 2008, when the sale of Asian contemporary art was held in Hong Kong at Christie's for the first time , his Painting #6 of the Mask series sold for HK$75,367,500. It was that year's world record for selling value among all artists.
Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Greek artist Nikos Giftakis. The artist was born, lives and works in Athens. He is very popular not only in Greece, he organized solo exhibitions and participated in many collective exhibitions in countries such as Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Brazil, Russia and Greece.
Painting by famous contemporary Georgian artist David Popiashvili. The artist is originally from Tbilisi, is a member of the Union of Artists of Georgia, participated in exhibitions in France, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia and Georgia. Many of his works are in museums and private collections in Georgia and abroad.
The painting was painted by the famous contemporary UAE artist Abdul Qader Al-Rais. The artist is a founding member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society and is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary art in the Emirates. His work can be found in the Emirates Palace (the presidential hotel in Abu Dhabi), government offices and in the personal art collections of the royal family in Dubai. The artist participated in various collective exhibitions, and also organized solo exhibitions in different countries (Czech Republic, Lebanon, USA, Germany, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates), received many awards.
The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Dutch artist Tjalf Sparnaay. The artist is originally from the Netherlands, lives and works in the city of Hilversum, organized 14 solo exhibitions and participated in many collective exhibitions in different countries (USA, UK, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Canada, Austria and the Netherlands). His works are in private and public collections in many countries.
Painting by the famous contemporary Spanish artist Miguel Barcelo. In 2003 he received the Prince of Asturias Prize for the Arts, one of the most important prizes in Spain. In 2004, he exhibited at the Louvre the watercolors he created to illustrate The Divine Comedy, becoming the first living contemporary artist to exhibit at the museum. The artist is in the top 30 richest artists in the world. His paintings are expensive. For example, this one, the photo of which is presented above, costs 244,398 USD.
The painting was painted by the famous contemporary Swiss artist Urs Fischer. The Zurich-born artist is in the top 50 richest artists in the world. He became famous for his provocative approach to art, but he obeys its laws; he opposes the presentation of art as a commercial commodity, although he sells his work at a high price, skillfully interacting with the art market and collectors.
Pictured is a painting by famous contemporary Israeli artist Orna Ben-Shoshan. She lives and works in the city of Raanana, has held many solo exhibitions and participated in collective exhibitions in countries such as the USA, Italy, Great Britain, Cyprus, France and Israel. Looking at the works of the artist, you will be fascinated by the amazing world where everything is possible. Take advantage of this to enrich your imagination, expand your horizons, and meet a rapidly growing talented artist.
The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Thai artist Direk Kingnock, a watercolorist originally from the town of Nakhon Ratchasima. Now he lives and works in the city of Khon Kaen. Already at the age of 9, Direk won the gold medal of the International Children's Art Competition in Japan. He has participated in exhibitions in Vietnam, China, Turkey, Italy, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Greece, Albania and Thailand.
Painting by famous contemporary Norwegian artist Christer Karlstad. He lives and works in Drammen, held solo exhibitions and participated in collective exhibitions in the USA, Sweden, Norway.
Pictured is a painting by Danish contemporary artist Jan Esmann. The artist was born, lives and works in Denmark, participated in exhibitions in such countries as: Germany, USA, Denmark.
The painting was painted by the famous contemporary Swedish artist Nisse Nydej Ottenhag. The artist, originally from the small town of Lilla Edet, has participated in many exhibitions in different countries (USA, France, Monaco, Namibia and Sweden).
The photo shows a painting by the famous contemporary Australian artist Elizabeth Barsham. She was born, lives and works in Tasmania and has many awards. Her work can often be found on magazine covers or as illustrations for articles. It is also often written about in the press. The artist took part in a large number of exhibitions and organized solo exhibitions in different countries (UK, Singapore, Italy, Australia).
How much does contemporary art cost? Which of the living artists enjoy the greatest recognition, the measure of which is banknotes? Artnet answered this question by analyzing auction results from 2011 to 2015 and listing best selling contemporary artists. Alas, there were no creators from Russia on the list.
In the 60s of the last century, Ed, along with now famous artists such as Andy Warhol and Jim Dine, took part in the historical event "Re-imaging ordinary objects." It was one of the first exhibitions in the emerging pop art style in America. To an unenlightened look, Rushei's paintings are most reminiscent of a stenciled inscription against the backdrop of landscapes or a cheerful splash of flowers. However, over 4 years of his creations were sold for a total amount of $129,030,255.
Richard made a name for himself by re-photographing images from print ads, arranging them in random order and embellishing them with scathing slogans. Marlboro cowboys, celebrities, porn stars, nurses and biker girlfriends suffered at his hands. He also paints the hoods of cars. The public appreciated his work in $146,056,862- it was for this amount that several works of the artist were sold.
The mentally ill artist loves to cover surfaces with dots of paint - it's called "infinity nets". She managed to trademark both this polka dot and her own illness and is now the best-selling contemporary artist in the world ( $152,768,689).
One of the representatives of traditional landscape painting. His work is invariably popular with the viewer, who is tired of the hyper-ironic postmodern, because after the inscriptions, collages of photographs and polka dot chairs, it is so nice to stop your eyes on the tropical night landscape. For 4 years, paintings have been sold for $155,229,785.
Calligraphic lettering, transparent watercolor landscapes and portraits in traditional Chinese style are also selling well - $176,718,242 from 2011 to 2015.
This contemporary Chinese artist is famous for his ink paintings of flowers, birds and landscapes. However, ordinary people are unable to understand the mighty power of art - and in 2012, the cleaner of the Grand Hayatt hotel accidentally threw one of his works worth $ 3.7 million into the trash. Cui Ruzhou's work over the past 4 years has been sold for $223,551,382.
Complex multi-colored works by another Chinese artist, where living beings and objects are either entangled in the web, or lost in the winter forest, as well as sinister pioneers with bloody hands from 2011 to 2015, were also sold well - for $267,949,220.
Christopher's trademark is huge white canvases with black lettering. Four of these letters, which form the word Riot ("rebellion"), were sold at Sotheby's for $29.9 million. And in just 4 years, the artist's works were sold in the amount of $323,997,854.
Former husband of porn star Cicciolina prefers to work in the neo-pop genre. He is especially famous for his steel sculptures imitating elongated balloon toys. For one of the works (steel orange dog) was paid at Christie's auction 58.4 million dollars. Jeff also plans to install a crane in front of the Los Angeles Museum of Art, on which he will hang a steam locomotive so that it puffs and emits clouds of smoke. From 2011 to 2015, Koons sold works worth a total of $379,778,439.
In the first place in the ranking of artists with the best-selling paintings is a master who does not even consider himself such. According to Gerard, for a long time he created something that was not related to art, composition, color, creativity, etc. Namely, he covered canvases with paint stains using scrapers and spatulas. One of these paintings, called "Abstract Image", most reminiscent of a watermelon that died in agony, was priced at Sotheby's for $43.6 million, and the artist's works for four years were sold for a modest amount of $1,165,527,419.
