What Is Contemporary Modern Art?

What is contemporary modern art? This can be a difficult question to answer, as the term "contemporary modern art" can encompass a wide range of styles, mediums, and artistic movements. Generally speaking, though, contemporary modern art refers to artwork created in the present day, often with an emphasis on innovation and experimentation. If you're curious to learn more about this fascinating topic, keep reading!

Contemporary modern art refers to a period of art production that began in the late 1940s and extends through to the present day. Contemporary modern art is characterized by a rejection of traditional values and conventions, and an embrace of abstraction, experimentation, and new media. Contemporary modern artists often explore themes of social commentary, politics, and identity, and their work can be found in a variety of settings, including galleries, museums, private collections, and public spaces.

While contemporary modern art can be hard to define, there are some basic characteristics that are commonly associated with it. Contemporary modern art is often abstract, experimental, and process-based. It also tends to make use of new media such as photography, video, and computer-generated imagery. Contemporary modern artists often seek to challenge traditional values and conventions, and their work can be provocative and controversial.

What Makes "Modern Art" Contemporary?

The term "modern art" generally refers to the period of time dating from the late 19th century through the present day. During this time period, artists began to move away from traditional representational forms of art, instead choosing to experiment with new styles and mediums. This type of art is often characterized by its use of abstraction, as well as its rejection of traditional values in favor of more progressive ideas.

Today, contemporary modern art continues to build on these foundations, pushing boundaries and expanding our understanding of what art can be. While there is no definitive style or approach that contemporary artists take, they are united in their commitment to experimentation and innovation.

If you're interested in exploring contemporary modern art, there are a few key characteristics that you should keep in mind. Contemporary modern artists tend to reject traditional values and norms, instead choosing to experiment with new styles and mediums. Additionally, contemporary modern art often focuses on abstraction and is committed to progressivism. Finally, contemporary modern artists are often willing to challenge conventions, making them truly innovative thinkers.

What Are The Characteristics Of Contemporary Modern Art?

If you're interested in learning more about contemporary modern art, the basics are a great place to start. Here, we'll cover some of the key characteristics that define this type of art, as well as provide examples of contemporary artists who are making waves in the art world today.

Characteristics of Contemporary Modern Art

  • A rejection of traditional values and norms
  • An embrace of experimentation and innovation
  • A focus on abstraction
  • A commitment to progressivism
  • A willingness to challenge conventions

Who Are Well-known Contemporary Modern Artists?

Examples of Contemporary Modern Artists include:

1. Yoko Ono

Japanese-born contemporary artist best known for her work in the fields of conceptual and performance art.

2. John Baldessari

A contemporary artist who first came to prominence in the 1960s for his work incorporating text and photography.

3. Cindy Sherman

A contemporary artist best known for her conceptual self-portraits. 

4. Barbara Kruger

A contemporary American artist and graphic designer, known for her combination of words and images.

By Dru Bloomfield - https://www.flickr.com/photos/athomeinscottsdale/3836187025/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95427764

5. Jenny Holzer

A contemporary American artist whose work often deals with themes of technology, violence, and gender.

6. Louise Bourgeois

A contemporary French-American artist best known for her large-scale sculptures and installations.

7. Jeff Koons

A contemporary American artist known for his work in the field of Pop art.

8. Damien Hirst

A contemporary British artist whose work often deals with death and its place in the human experience.

9. Banksy

A contemporary street artist whose work often comments on political and social issues.

10. Takashi Murakami

A contemporary Japanese artist known for his "Superflat" aesthetic and his incorporation of elements of pop culture into his work.

These artists have all pushed the boundaries of what art can be, and their work continues to inspire contemporary artists today. If you're interested in exploring contemporary modern art further, we encourage you to check out the work of these groundbreaking artists.

Why Is Contemporary Modern Art Becoming Famous?

Contemporary modern art is becoming more and more popular for a variety of reasons. One reason is that contemporary artists are experimenting with new techniques and styles, which makes their work more interesting to viewers. Additionally, contemporary art is often seen as being more accessible than traditional art forms, since it often deals with topics that are relevant to contemporary society. Finally, artists are often very successful in promoting their work through social media and other channels, which has helped to increase its visibility.

Contemporary modern art is becoming more and more popular as people are starting to appreciate the unique perspectives that these artists offer. If you’re interested in purchasing some contemporary modern art, or just want to learn more about it, feel free to call us today. We would be happy to chat with you and give you some recommendations on pieces that we think would fit well in your home or office.


Are You Looking for Contemporary Modern Art to Complement Your Home?

The Marshall Gallery, located in Scottsdale’s Historic Arts District, has been the center of contemporary art since its founding in 1998. Boasting a collection of paintings, sculptures, and exquisite glass pieces, the gallery hosts several exhibitions each year plus a biennial glass invitational that attracts top-notch talent. Here you will find exceptional art presented in an open and relaxed gallery space, which is perfect for browsing the ever-changing collection. Explore on your own, or allow our expert art consultants to offer complimentary assistance to find the perfect addition to your own collection. Looking for the perfect piece of art to complement your home’s decor? Visit us in person or browse our online art store!


Everything on our website is available for purchase.

Shop our online store! Smaller works are available for immediate purchase.

Contact us for more information.

Hours of Operation

Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Extended hours from 7 - 9 p.m. for the Scottsdale ArtWalk
Sunday: Closed

Join Our Newsletter

Copyright © 2024, Art Gallery Software by ArtCloudCopyright © 2024, Art Gallery Software by ArtCloud