By Sierra Bailey
If you’ve ever stepped foot into the art world, you’ve definitely heard the term “contemporary” floating around in conversation. This widely used term is frequently thrown around, but many people are unaware of what it truly means.
Unfortunately, many people walk into contemporary galleries with misconceptions about what they see. They often let those beliefs influence their opinions, which can then affect what they decide to purchase. The misconceptions about this art movement are rarely clarified, so in this article, we’re going to take some time to debunk some common beliefs about contemporary art.
1 – “Modern art and contemporary art are the same thing,” or “Contemporary art is always ‘abstract. ’”
To debunk these myths, let’s turn to the Museum of Modern Art for guidance. Before the 19th century, commissioned work was the primary source of income for artists, usually pieces of religious or mythological meaning that told a very clear message to the viewer. But during the 1800’s, the idea of the subconscious mind surfaced in artwork. No longer bound by the confines of the real world, artists began painting things that weren’t normal, things that weren’t seen in daily life. The boundaries of what was considered art were stretched forever.
While modern art ended around the 1970’s, the contemporary art movement is still happening this very moment. Some contemporary art can be considered modern, but it’s not defined by certain styles or techniques. It can include landscapes, portraits, photography; anything made by artists alive today is considered contemporary.
It’s also very common to get confused when the term “abstract” is used in so many contexts. And it’s true that the definition of contemporary art can include abstract pieces. But contemporary artists aren’t limited to abstract concepts. The beauty of contemporary art is that artists create what they want to create, the way they want to do it. There are no limitations, rules, or expectations when it comes to contemporary pieces.
2 – “Contemporary art isn’t worth that much money.”
Many clients often come in with the question, “How much do they want for this piece?” While this question can seem normal, it’s not routine to negotiate prices. A price is earned through awards, the number of exhibits, and the number of sales an artist has. Artists also try to keep their prices the same throughout all galleries to remain fair and consistent. If a price were to change in one gallery, it would have to change for all of them.
Unlike manufactured art, each piece created is unique, crafted by the hard work and skill of an artist. The price of their art is not determined lightly; there are certain standards used towards every single piece of art to account for all factors. Many assume that if a piece isn’t time-consuming, then it’s not worth as much. However, time doesn’t equal value, nor does detail equal creativity. There is extreme value in thinking outside the box. Unconventional ideas bring out the fullest potential in many artworks; simply labeling a piece based on time or detail isn’t enough.
3 – “Contemporary art is too complex to understand,” or “Contemporary art doesn’t carry any meaning.”
There are pieces from every era that resonate with some people, but that others cannot appreciate. The thing about art is that taste can be very personal. Some people are drawn to complex pieces, while others prefer simplicity. The wonderful fact about contemporary art is that there’s something out there for everyone. Art is about emotion, not expertise. The more you engage, the more you understand, so if something speaks to you, don’t hesitate.
Stepping into an art gallery can be intimidating; with so many options, it can be daunting to choose the perfect piece. But every gallery has the same goal: to help you find a piece that you love. Never be afraid to gravitate towards what you like, and never be afraid to ask questions. Art is for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your art background may be.