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Almost the same terms have been applied to art work in using "modern" and "contemporary," leading to considerable confusion. Modern paintings vary from contemporary paintings in terms of different time periods in history, aesthetic beliefs, and stylistic approaches. For the art lover, collector, and users of invaluable art for interior decoration purposes, it is important to know their differences and similarities. In this paper, we shall overview the central differences and similarities between modern and contemporary paintings to highlight their uniqueness.

Modern art is that which was made somewhere between the 1860s (some say the 1880s) and the late 1960s (some say only through the 1950s). Art made after that (for example: conceptual, minimalist, postmodern, feminist) is contemporary. Apart from the chronology, there are also conceptual and aesthetic distinctions between the two periods. It was termed "modern" because it did not depend upon what had preceded it or on the tenets of the academies of art.

Understanding Modern Paintings

What is Modern Art?

This style of art is known as modern art, essentially anything created from about the 1860s to the 1970s. This was a time characterized by a thirst for experimentation and imagination and was, by definition, a break from conventional, academic forms of art. Modern art focused on breaking free from the traditional means and perspectives dominating the works of art that existed before the 19th century.

Some of the subsidiary movements of modern art are:

  • Impressionism: Large brushstrokes, light, and capturing moments which pass.

  • Cubism: A transformation process of art, established by Picassos and other painters.

  • Surrealism: Seascapes, dreamlike and surreal, with emphasis on entrance into the subconscious.

Characteristics of Modern Paintings:

  1. Rejecting Tradition: Modern painters adopted abstraction and experimentation in place of realistic topic representations.

  2. Technique Innovation: Many different types of materials, textures, and techniques were used. For example, Jackson Pollock and others used drip painting where it was an alternative to brushwork.

Emphasis on Subjectivity and Emotion Inner feelings, personal views, and individual worldviews have been some of the subjects most commonly explored through modern art.

Understanding Contemporary Paintings

What is Contemporary Art?

Contemporary art refers to art created from the late 20th century to the present. It involves a very broad range of media, genres, and approaches. It covers a hugely broad spectrum of media, genres, and approaches. Contemporary art is more concerned with representing societal issues, cultural variety, and personal identity than modern art, which was primarily concerned with defying tradition.

The wide international influences compel modern artists to develop new forms and media including installations, new materials, and digital media to create works of art. As no conventional norms are defining the terms related to stylistic styles in this particular art form, it keeps on changing.

Main Characteristics of Modern Paintings:

  • Multi-Traditional Forms: Along with painting, contemporary art includes digital media, performance art, photography, video, and sculpture as well.

  • Cultural comment: Most of the contemporary pieces done today revolve around environmental, political, and social themes.

  • Universal Impact: Modern artists were impacted by cultures across the globe result in mixed styles

  • Public Interaction: One can be able to interact with some of the contemporary art more than the modern pieces to have a better mean to engage.

Comparison between Modern and Contemporary paintings

1. Time Frame:

Modern art was created from the 1860s to 1970s. Modern Art: Comprises pieces from the 1970s until today. As contemporary art is the description of things happening during today's time and worldwide-changing, modern art directly responded to what already existed before. Knowing that timeline makes it easier to distinguish the two.

2. Aspects and Motives:

Abstract art, creativity, and departing from classical traditions are the main themes of modern paintings. It frequently reflected the abstract ideas or feelings of the artists. Explore a wider range of topics in contemporary paintings, many of which are socio-political, such as globalization, technology, identity, and the environment. More emphasis is placed on interacting with the audience's interpretation and relating art to contemporary themes.

While contemporary artists like Banksy and Jeff Koons produce works that question society, politics, and cultural norms, modern painters like Pablo Picasso and Wassily Kandinsky were more interested in finding new ways to express reality.

3. Methods and Media:

  • Contemporary Paintings: Modern artists tended to work with conventional mediums such as watercolour or oil on canvas, however, they experimented with new methods such impasto, or thick paint application, or abstract forms.
  • Modern Paintings: Artists frequently combine a wide range of mediums. Within the contemporary art scene, one can frequently find installations, digital artwork, performance art, and photography mixed with painting.

Modern art heavily relies on technology, and digital platforms are frequently utilised to produce, present, or even engage with the artwork. This is in contrast to the use of more conventional materials in modern art.

4. Objective and Idea:

  • Paintings from the Modern Era: Many modern artists attempted to defy the established conventions of art theory. They were open to experimenting with colour, form, and perspective, as long as it was done for the sake of invention.
  • Paintings from the present: Modern art is frequently more conceptual. In addition to defying convention, artists are utilising their work to advocate for social justice causes and bring attention to pressing concerns in society.

The process of making art has undergone substantial alteration. Modern art focused more on individual expression and the exploration of various visual trends, but contemporary art frequently challenges the spectator to engage in critical thought about their surroundings.

Also read: Artistic Horizons: Bridging the Gap Between Modern and Contemporary Art

5. Cultural Background:

Contemporary Art: The two world wars, urbanisation, and industrialisation all had a significant cultural impact on modern artists.

Modern Art: In the technologically advanced, globally interconnected world of the twenty-first century, artists of today respond to the multitude of traditions and identities that characterise our era as well as current events.

Important Commonalities Between Contemporary and Modern Paintings

Contemporary and modern art are different from one another, but they are similar in that they reject convention and are receptive to new ways of expressing themselves.

1. Experimentation: Artists of the modern and current eras tested limits. Modern art brought abstraction and avant-garde concepts to the world, but contemporary art is renowned for pushing the boundaries even farther through participatory and multimedia projects.

2. Rejection of Tradition: The goal of both groups was to break free from the limitations of traditional art. Instead of using conventional subjects and methods, they opted to experiment with novel viewpoints, strategies, and concepts.

3. Emphasis on Subjectivity: Artists convey their own thoughts, feelings, and worldviews via their work in both modern and contemporary art. Abstract subjects are frequently used, with the emphasis being on the artist's interpretation of reality.

Modern and Contemporary Paintings' Significance in India

Indian painters have benefited greatly from the developments in modern and contemporary art. Indian famous artists such as M.F. Husain and S.H. Raza combined modernist methods with aspects of Indian culture. Their efforts opened up the world of Indian art.

By tackling universal themes like identity, environmental concerns, and cultural history, modern Indian artists like Subodh Gupta and Bharti Kher are becoming well-known abroad.

Which One Should You Pick for Your House?

The type of atmosphere you like to create in your room and your style will determine which modern or contemporary paintings you choose.

Modern paintings are great for anyone who value traditional form, colour, and abstraction experiments.

Contemporary Paintings: Ideal for people who like a range of media and want art that speaks to contemporary social or cultural themes.

Modern art may be for you if you're more interested in early avant-garde movements or abstract art. Conversely, modern art might be more to your taste if you're drawn to cutting-edge innovation, new media, and cultural commentary.

Must read: Collecting Modern and contemporary art

Conclusion

Beyond historical periods, modern and current artworks differ from one another. They cover different approaches, ideologies, and sources of inspiration. The daring, experimental styles that define today's current art scene were made possible by modern art. Both of these looks are timeless and would look great in any art collection or home décor. You may better appreciate art and make wise decisions as a collector or fan if you are aware of their main distinctions and similarities.