Experimental art forms are nothing new. Throughout the ages, anything that was introduced into society at that time was considered new and sometimes extraordinary, even offensive by a few. There always seems to be that critical minority that don’t want to jump on the bandwagon, that fail to see the importance of artistic development. Consider that, once upon a time, a decent woman did not gasp! pose nude for oil paintings or sculptures. Typically, nude paintings of women produced throughout the Renaissance era made use of prostitutes for models, since a self-respecting woman would never consider removing her clothing for such a vulgar display, a staggering irony considering that these originals are now valued in the millions of dollars.
Contemporary art, also known as modern art has long been a producer of such experimental and innovative displays. Names such as Van Gogh, Monet and Modigliani stand as a testament to the truly unique perspective in visual arts and what it means to both be an artist and to define art itself. That perhaps is the foundation of art. What defines art? By whose standards do we gauge a particular piece and declare it to be worthy of the name and worthy of a purchase for a private or public collection.
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What is art? There exists not one but hundreds of definitions of art offered by renowned artists, scholars, and philosophers throughout the ages. Considered literally, art refers to any specialized skill, or human activities encompassing a wide range of fields like literature, music, painting, or sculpting. It’s the end but not the means that constitutes the success of art. A lot many artists believe in the cult of art for art’s sake. However, this function of art has been subjected to severe criticism by some of the noted scholars of the late 19th century who believed in the instructional quality of art. To them, art existed not just for aesthetic pleasure but was also associated with the purpose of converting the mind into a particular trend of thought.
Theories abound as to the true purpose of art. Whether didactic or aesthetic, there is no denying that art casts its influence on the observer’s mind. Times have changed and with it, artistry has undergone multiple changes too. If Romanticism and Classicism influenced art works of yester years, it is Realism, Impressionism, Fauvism, Dadaism, and Surrealism that have laid their impact on contemporary art. No wonder, contemporary art is distinctly different from the art works of earlier generations.
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