For the average viewer, there are unwritten rules about art. Art is only art when it is in a museum, when it is centuries old, or when it is realism crafted by a technical master. When modern artwork doesn’t align with these ideas, it faces controversy and even the dreaded insult: “That is not art.”
Classical and realist works are certainly valid, but there is so much more the world of art has to offer. As artists and appreciators, we can further savor art if we let go of preconceived notions. Modern art is essential for cultural evolution and the art world. It breaks boundaries and creates new forms of emotional engagement. To ensure artistic expression remains relevant, society must rethink the rules on what is and isn’t art.
Defining art is important, but the standards don’t have to be strict. At its core, art is simply a form of expression. Art might be a painting, sculpture, digital art, performance, installation, graffiti or something altogether new. If the creation stems from an intentional, human touch — not an AI program — it is art. A masterful technique can make art impactful, but it is not a requirement.
Art can be powerful and impactful even when it focuses on meaning and concept over technique. A powerful subject or idea may be more interesting than a perfectly manufactured piece of realism. Joseph Kosuth’s 1965 piece “One and Three Chairs” features a physical chair, a photograph of that chair, and a dictionary definition of chair. While the work’s construction is simple, the intention behind it is anything but. Kosuth poses the three chairs to encourage viewers to ponder how objects, images, and language connect. His project highlights how meaning transcends visual representation, just as it does in art.
Every artistic movement was once contemporary. What we revere now as true art was subjected to the same controversies as today’s art. The Renaissance was a stark departure from previous medieval art, introducing secular themes, nude figures, and realism. Then came the Baroque period, which diverged from the norm with its complex compositions and emotional intensity. Each of these artistic innovations sparked debates by challenging the established style. We can break the cycle of only appreciating art centuries after its creation. Art reflects the values, struggles, and innovations of its time. Even if you don’t love a piece, you can appreciate its divergence and how it helps us understand our current period.
Art is more than something nice to look at. It can be a tool for cultural reflection, activism and personal storytelling. In 1962, Mary Husted gave up her son for adoption. Following her desperation, Husted sketched her son daily to preserve his memory. She painted her work “Dreams, Oracles, Icons” nearly 30 years later, inspired by these sketches. Husted used her art to share her experience and even reunite with her son after he recognized the painting years later. “Dreams, Oracles, Icons” represents the story of their loss and reconnection and evokes empathy in those who view it.
With each unique art piece, we challenge the current cultural perspective. Contemporary art highlights the diverse voices, styles, and cultures that weren’t previously recognized. Cindy Sherman’s “Untitled” (1977-1980) photographic series depicts Sherman in various roles and personas. Each picture conveys a unique personality and emotion, challenging the societal norms and expectations around gender identity. Her work invites viewers to challenge stereotypes around womanhood and recognize diversity among women.
Today’s art uses new mediums and platforms to give a voice to the voiceless. Artist Nikkolas Smith uses his digital artwork as a vehicle for activism. His digital paintings, widely shared on social media, depict victims of police brutality, civil rights figures and cultural icons. His art helps keep the conversation around African American oppression and social justice alive. You may not see Smith’s portraits in a museum, and his work has no physical presence, but it is as real and effective as any portrait on display in the Met.
As humans, our job is to keep pushing past the boundaries of what is known, done, and acceptable. Contemporary art is one of the most common and effective mediums to achieve that goal. With new approaches to self-expression, artists like Sun Yuan and Peng Yu make their audiences feel uncomfortable, disturbed, and moved simultaneously. Their 2016 kinetic sculpture, “Can’t Help Myself”, features an industrial robot programmed to contain blood-like fluid surrounding it. The robot’s repetitive movements as it desperately attempts to contain the liquid are visceral. The somewhat horrific scene forces audiences to acknowledge the difficulties of coping with negative thoughts and the human condition. Countless contemporary pieces experiment with this kind of immersive, experience-based or even participatory art style. Unconventional works push viewers to think and feel in new ways. By accepting new styles as valid art, we reject the elitism of the art world. Art should not be categorized as high or low. Bringing underappreciated art forms to the forefront will help artists create more. Street art, craft and digital media are being seen as increasingly legitimate, paving the way for even more dynamic pieces.
Embracing the unconventional in artwork can foster innovation in other fields. Daan Roosegaarde’s “Smart Highway” (2014) was an art project that added glowing markings and interactive lighting to a 500-meter stretch of the N329 highway in Oss, Netherlands. By using photo-luminescent paint and motion-activated, turbine-powered lights, Roosegaarde made his project completely energy neutral. Merging artistic vision and technology, his art improved road safety and energy efficiency simultaneously.
If you find yourself a critic of modern art, try to view it through a new lens. Admire the effort and concept that went into the piece. Think less about how it looks and more about what it means and how it makes you feel. Some new art styles may simply not be for you, but they can’t all be dismissed. While the things I’ve described may define contemporary art now, they won’t forever. Art is constantly evolving. As society changes, what is considered art will continue to expand and change along with it. I don’t know what the future of art will be, but what I do know is that the more accepting we are, the more exciting the future becomes.
