Exploring the Difference Between Modern, Abstract and Contemporary Art
What is the difference between modern, abstract and contemporary art? It’s easy to get confused by the different terms used to describe the art we see around us.
Modern, abstract and contemporary art are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct differences.
The difference between modern, abstract and contemporary art is the period in which they emerged and their individual characteristics.
In this article, I will explore some of the differences between modern, abstract and contemporary art as well as some of their individual characteristics. It will help you to understand what sets them apart.
But I will begin to explain the similarities between these art styles to avoid confusion.
Similarities between modern, abstract and contemporary art
I think explaining some of the similarities between modern, abstract and contemporary art styles early in this article will help you to learn about some of the overlaps between them.
Modern and abstract art similarities
As you continue to read this blog post, you will come across several art styles that are common between modern and abstract art.
For example, Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, etc. can be considered modern as well as abstract art.
They are considered modern art styles because they originated during the period of late 19th and early 20th centuries.
They are also considered abstract art styles because they fit in with the definition of abstract art. Abstract art may use real objects that are either simplified, exaggerated or both. Also, abstract art may not use or depict recognisable objects or figures as in the case of non-representational art.
However, it is worth mentioning that not all modern art is abstract and not all abstract art is modern art. There are similarities between modern art and abstract art, but they are not necessarily interchangeable terms. They are each unique in their own way and characteristics.
Similarities between contemporary art styles and both modern and abstract art
Also, some contemporary art styles can be found in modern art and abstract art. This is because art movements are not necessarily distinct categories that are completely separate from each other. Instead, they can overlap and influence each other over time.
Take the example of Pop Art, which emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a response to the mass media and consumer culture of the time.
It can be considered both a contemporary and a modern art style because it originated during the mid-20th century, which is also part of the modern art period.
However, Pop Art is also considered to be a contemporary art style because it continues to be popular among artists and collectors today.
Similarly, Abstract Expressionism emerged during the 1940s as a response to the social and political upheaval of the time. It is considered both a modern and an abstract art style because it originated during the modern period and focuses on abstract forms and expression.
However, Abstract Expressionism is also considered a contemporary style because it continues to influence contemporary artists today.
What distinguishes contemporary art from modern and abstract art?
Contemporary art is characterised by its focus on the present, using current cultural and social subjects as inspiration.
It also tends to be more diverse and experimental than modern and abstract art, incorporating a wide range of materials and techniques, such as digital media, video and performance art.
While there may be overlap between contemporary, modern and abstract art styles, they are each unique in their own way. I will summarise it as:
- Contemporary art focuses on the present.
- Modern art captures the spirit of the modern world.
- Abstract art explores new forms of expression through colour, shape and other elements.
What is modern art?
Modern art is known to be, mainly, the art of the period from around the 1860s to the 1960s. It’s an era that resembles new styles of art.
Many artists began to experiment with making art based on subjects that they freely chose and also their own personal experiences. It is the art movement that moved away from creating traditional and realistic art. It challenged the techniques, materials, styles and traditions of conventional art.
Modern art came about as a response and a reflection of significant radical cultural, political, industrial and technological changes. These changes were brought about by the Industrial Revolution in Western Europe.
What are 10 popular modern art styles?
The introduction of modern art allowed several new art movements . I will mention some of the main Modern Art Movements, which include:
- Impressionism: This style of modern art was developed in the late 19th century in France. Impressionist artists focused on capturing the momentary impression of light and colour in their paintings.
Famous impressionist artists include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Edgar Degas.
- Post-Impressionism: This style was also developed in the late 19th century as a reaction against the limitations of Impressionism.
Post-Impressionist artists used bright colours, bold brushstrokes and distorted forms to express their emotions and ideas.
Famous Post-Impressionist artists include Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne and Georges Seurat.
- Cubism: This style was developed in the early 20th century by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.
Cubist artists broke objects down into simple geometric shapes and then reassembled them in a new way The result was a distorted and abstract image that conveyed multiple perspectives at once.
- Expressionism: The expressionism style of art was developed in Germany in the early 20th Expressionist artists used bold brushstrokes, vivid colours and distorted shapes to convey intense emotion and subjective experience.
Famous Expressionist artists include Franz Marc, Wassily Kandinsky and Edvard Munch.
- Futurism: This style of modern art was developed in Italy in the early 20th Futurist artists celebrated modernity, technology and speed. They used bold bright colours and dynamic shapes to convey energy and movement.
Famous Futurism artists include Gino Severini, Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla.
- Dada: Another modern art style that emerged during World War I. Dada artists rejected traditional art styles and instead created works that were absurdist, nonsensical and often politically charged.
Famous Dada artists include Hans Arp, Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray.
- Surrealism: This style was developed in the 1920s by a group of artists and writers in France. Surrealist artists created works that explored the subconscious mind and the world of dreams. They often used dreamlike imagery, bizarre and unexpected juxtapositions of objects.
Famous Surrealist artists include Ma Ernst, Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte.
- Abstract Expressionism: This style of modern art was developed in the United States in the mid-20th Abstract Expressionist artists used gestural brushstrokes, bold colours and spontaneous marks to create large abstract paintings that conveyed emotion and energy.
Famous Abstract Expressionist artists include Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
- Pop Art: Pop Art emerged in the 1950s and 1960s in Britain and the United States. Pop Art artists celebrated popular culture and consumerism by incorporating images from comic books, advertisements and other mass media into their art.
Famous Pop Art artists include Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg and Roy Lichtenstein.
- Minimalism: This style of art emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against the emotional intensity of Abstract Expressionism and the consumerism of Pop Art. Minimalist artists used simple, geometric shapes and neutral colours to create artworks that emphasised the physical properties of the materials used.
Famous Minimalist artists include Dan Flavin, Agnes Martin and Donald Judd.
Famous modern art paintings
Here’s a brief list of some of the most famous modern art paintings and their artists.
- Starry Night, 1889, Vincent van Gogh. This iconic painting depicts a swirling night sky over a town. It is one of van Gogh’s most famous paintings. He painted it while he was a patient at an asylum in Saint-Remy.
- The Persistence of Memory, 1931, Salvador Dali. This surreal painting depicts melting clocks draped over tree branches and other objects in a barren landscape, exploring the concept of time.
- Campbell’s Soup Cans, 1962, Andy Warhol. This series of 32 paintings features the iconic Campbell’s Soup can label repeated in a grid pattern. It is a quintessential example of the Pop Art movement.
- Nighthawks, 1942, Edward Hopper. This painting depicts four people sitting in a brightly lit diner late at night. It is often seen as a commentary on urban isolation.
- Guernica, 1937, Pablo Picasso. This painting is a powerful anti-war statement that depicts the horrors of the bombing of a Spanish town during the Spanish Civil War.
- Whaam!, 1963, Roy Lichtenstein. This is a large painting depicting a fighter jet firing a missile, created in Lichtenstein’s trademark comic-book style.
What is abstract art?
I’ve written several blog posts about the meaning and definition of abstract art. I’ve also written about its origin, history and some of the most famous abstract artists and also some of the most famous abstract artworks in the world.
Here are some of my blog posts about abstract art that you may find interesting:
- What is Abstract Art?
- Who Was The First Abstract Artist?
- How Can I Learn To Actually See Abstract Art?
- Appreciating Abstract Art: A Guide to Unlocking the Mystery
Abstract art began in Western Europe in the early 20th century with the Avant-Garde art movements of Modern Art.
Many artists at that time were looking to move away from traditional representational art. They were seeking freedom of expression and discovered new ways to create those expressions.
Some of the first abstract artists include Hilma af Klint (1862-1944). Between 1906 and 1907, she created a series of abstract paintings known as ‘Primordial Chaos’.
Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) also claimed that he painted the first abstract painting in 1911.
I still wonder about other cultures’ art and the reasons that none of their ancient art has been considered in the genre of abstract art.
For example, aboriginal art goes back some 40,000 years or possibly longer. Cave Paintings are another example. Indigenous African art is also several thousand years old.
If you examine the definition of abstract art, you may think that some of these ancient arts may fit in with the broader meaning of abstraction. But, I’m glad that they are not. These are magnificent types of art on their own. They have their own identity, meaning and great history.
Here’s an interesting video about Contemporary African Art.
The definition of abstract art
Abstract art definition is the type of art that doesn’t attempt to represent real objects. Abstract art is created using colours, shapes, lines and other elements of art.
Like all other types of art, abstract art is an expression. An expression of ideas, beliefs, feelings and imagination.
Abstract art places great emphasis on evoking emotions and creating an emotional response in the viewers. There are broadly two main categories: pure abstraction and partial abstraction.
Pure abstraction is also known as non-representational or non-objective art. This category of abstract art doesn’t use any real objects at all.
I enjoy creating non-representational paintings as it is a way to express my thoughts and imaginations completely free from any rules or restrictions.
There is no reference to any particular real objects to follow or guide you to create and express your feelings. I feel totally free to recreate my own feelings in a visual sense.
Can you actually paint your feelings?
What are the 7 types of abstract art?
There are several different art movements of abstract art. I will mention a few examples:
- Abstract Expressionism: This style of abstract art emerged in the 1940s that emphasised spontaneous, intuitive creation and the emotional expression of the artist. This style often featured large, gestural brushstrokes and layers of paint applied in a non-representational way.
Famous artists include Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
- Colour Field Painting: A style of abstract art that emerged in the 1940s that focused on large, monochromatic colour fields.
Famous artists associated with this style include Helen Frankenthaler, Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman.
- Abstract Minimalism: This style emerged in the 1960s and focuses on the use of minimum shapes and colours to create a sense of simplicity and order.
Famous artists include Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt and Dan Flavin.
- Cubism: This style is probably one of the oldest abstract art styles as it emerged in 1907 in France. It focused on the use of multiple viewpoints and the fragmentation of form.
Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque were the first to create this style of art.
- Geometric Abstraction art: A style of abstract art emerged in the mid-20th century that emphasised the use of geometric shapes, colours and lines to create an ordered composition.
Famous artists include Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian and Theo van Doesburg.
- Abstract Action Painting: A style of abstract art emerged in the 1940s that focused on the physical act of painting as a key element of the artwork.
Famous artists include Jackson Pollock and Franz Kline.
- Informalism: This style of abstract art emerged in the mid-20th century that emphasised spontaneity and improvisation in the creation of the artwork.
Famous artists include Alberto Burri, Antoni Tapies and Jean Dubuffet.
Notice that there is some overlap in these art styles in abstract art and modern art.
Examples of famous abstract art and artists
Several names come to mind whenever I hear the phrase ‘abstract art’. Here are some of the most famous abstract artists in no particular order:
- Hilma af Klint (1862-1944)
- Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944)
- Willem de Kooning (1904-1997)
- Mark Rothko (1903-1966)
- Jackson Pollock (1912-1956)
- Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)
- Joan Mitchell (1925-1992)
- Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986)
- Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011)
- Cy Twombly (1928-2011)
- Kazimir Malevich (1878-1935)
- Piet Mondrian (1872-1944)
- Joan Miro (1893-1983)
- Robert Motherwell (1915-1991)
- Zao Wou-Ki (1920-2013)
These abstract artists are among many others who created some of the most magnificent pieces of artwork. Every time I see any of these paintings, it seems to take me on a fascinating journey somewhere into a different dimension. Hard to explain in words the amazing powers of what may seem like simple colours, shapes and lines.
What is contemporary art?
Contemporary art is a type of art that has been created in the present time or within the last few decades. Unlike abstract art, contemporary art can encompass a wide range of techniques, styles and mediums. It includes any art that has been created after the modern art period, which ended around the 1960s.
Contemporary art often reflects the current social, political and cultural issues of the time. It can be controversial, provocative and diverse. Contemporary artists are not bound by traditional artistic rules and are free to experiment with new mediums, techniques and subject matter.
What are the 7 styles in contemporary art?
- Street Art: This is a type or style of art that is created in public spaces, such as on walls or buildings. Banksy is one of the most famous Street Art artists.
- Installation Art. This art style is created specifically for a particular space, such as a gallery or museum. It often involves using everyday objects in unexpected ways to create a new experience for the viewers. Some of the most famous Installation Art artists include Yayoi Kusama and Ai Weiwei.
- Conceptual Art: It is a style of art that is more focused on the concept or idea behind the artwork than on the physical creation of the artwork itself. Famous Conceptual Art artists include Sol LeWitt and Marcel Duchamp.
- Neo-Expressionism: This style of art emerged in the 1980s and is characterised by bold, gestural brushstrokes and a focus on the human figure. Famous Neo-Expressionism artists include Jean-Michel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel.
- Digital Art: This contemporary art style is created using digital technology, such as computers. It often involves manipulating images or creating new ones from scratch. Famous Digital Art artists include Trevor Paglen and Cory Arcangel.
- New Media Art: This style of art uses technology as a medium, such as a video or virtual reality. It attempts to explore the relationship between technology and society. Famous New Media Art artists include Bill Viola and Nam June Paik.
- Performance Art: This style of art involves live performances by the artist. It can include anything from dancing to spoken word and often involves audience participation. Famous Performance Art artists include Marina Abramovic.
Each of these contemporary art styles is unique and interesting in its own way. They all have their own history and several famous artists who have contributed to their development.
Whether you enjoy bright colours and bold graphics, thought-provoking installations or cutting-edge digital technology, there is sure to be a contemporary art style that speaks to you.
Famous contemporary artworks
- Jeff Koons, Balloon Dog (Blue), 1994-2000. A giant, shiny sculpture of a balloon dog created from stainless steel and coated with a high-gloss finish. In February 2023, the sculpture was accidentally knocked over shattered into pieces at a Miami art fair.
- Tracey Emin, My Bed, 1998. A controversial installation piece that features Emin’s unmade bed surrounded by personal objects and debris.
- Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.), 1991. A poignant and minimalist work that consists of a pile of candies, which viewers are invited to take.
- Banksy, Girl with Balloon, 2002. An iconic Street Art artist with an iconic piece of art. It first appeared on Waterloo Bridge in London.
- Ai Weiwei, Remembering, 2009. Or Ai Weiwei’s sculpture, Sunflower 2010
- David Hockney, Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures), 1972.
This is an interesting video about A Brief History of Western Art Movements.
Final thoughts about the difference between modern, abstract and contemporary art
The difference between these types of art is simple. It is mainly about the period in which they emerged and their individual characteristics.
Modern art emerged from the late 19th century to the 1960s and is characterised by the departure from traditional classical style and experimentation.
Abstract art emerged in the late 19th century and became popular in the 1940s and 1950s. This style of art focused on colour, shape and line to create artwork. It can also be found across different periods.
Contemporary art refers to artwork produced in the present day and includes a wide range of media, techniques and styles. Contemporary art emphasises the current moment and relevant cultural, social and political issues.
FAQs
What do modern art and contemporary art have in common?
Both styles or types of art have been created in recent times. Modern art began around the 1860s and contemporary art from around the 1960s.
In the late 19th century, many artists began to experiment with new ways of creating art that went beyond traditional art techniques and styles. Modern art distinguished itself from traditional art in the use of bold colours and simplified and more abstract forms.
Contemporary art, on the other hand, includes all art forms from the 1960s up until today. This type of art is known for its diversity as artists continue to push the boundaries of what art can be.
Contemporary art includes a wide range of mediums such as installation art, digital art, video art and sculpture.
Despite their clear differences, both modern art and contemporary art share some of the same spirit of innovation and creativity. This is mainly focused on challenging traditional ideas about art. Art is constantly changing and evolving reflecting the changes around us and our lives.
What distinguishes modern and contemporary art from traditional art?
Traditional art refers to art that began several hundreds of years ago. Traditional art used specific styles and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. It includes many art forms from various cultures and periods such as Chinese calligraphy, Indigenous art and Renaissance art.
Modern and contemporary art are different from traditional art in many ways. For example, modern and contemporary artists use new and innovative techniques and styles to create their artworks. They use materials and methods that were not used in traditional art.
Another difference is the subject matter of modern and contemporary art. Typically, traditional art focuses on subjects such as cultural, historical, religious or mythological themes. Modern and contemporary art, on the other hand, can explore any subject matter, from social issues to personal experiences.
Also, modern and contemporary art often challenges traditional notions of beauty and aesthetics. Rather than creating art that is purely visually pleasing, modern and contemporary artists may use their art to provoke thought and challenge the viewer’s perceptions.
Is Picasso a contemporary or modern artist?
Picasso started creating art in the late 19th century. He was born in Spain in 1881, which was a time when modern art was beginning to emerge. So, Picasso was considered a modern artist.
He was known for his innovative techniques and styles, which were different from traditional techniques of art. Picasso was instrumental and helped to develop Cubism Art Movement. This art movement was known for using geometric shapes and multiple perspectives to create a unique abstract art style.
Picasso was also known for using bold and bright colours. He often painted subjects from everyday life, such as people, animals and other objects. However, he did it in a way that was different from traditional art.
How do you identify modern art
Modern art can be identified by its use of innovative and new styles, techniques and materials that were not used in traditional and classical art.
Modern art includes bold use of colour, abstract forms and shapes and simplified or abstracted shapes. Modern art artists shifted the interpretation and the meaning of aesthetic beauty and emphasised evoking emotions.
When you look at modern art, you may notice that it challenges traditional ideas about what art should look like. It can be abstract, partially abstract or non-representational.
Modern art doesn’t necessarily depict something recognisable from real life. Instead, it may be an expression of emotions, thoughts, concepts, beliefs or ideas. Some of the famous modern artists used their art to express their unique visions of the world.
Is abstract and modern art the same?
Abstract art depends on the use of colours, shapes, lines and other elements of art to create artwork that is not intended to represent any recognisable from the real world.
Modern art, on the other hand, refers to art that was created in the late 19th century and continued through to the 20th century. While some modern art can be abstract, not all abstract art is considered modern art, and not all modern art is abstract.
Modern art includes various styles. Cubism, Impressionism and Surrealism are some of the modern art styles, but each has its own unique characteristics. Also, some modern art is representational, which means that it depicts recognisable objects from the real world.
Is abstract art contemporary art?
Yes, abstract art can be considered a type of contemporary art. Contemporary art refers to art that is created by artists in recent times.
Contemporary artists continue to make abstract art, pushing the boundaries of what can be considered art and exploring new techniques and materials.
