Chapter 1: What is Contemporary Arts

Historical Periods and Shifts

• Postmodernism follows modernism as the subsequent historical period.
• The shift of power from Europe to the United States after World War II was marked by the Cold War.

Museums and Exhibitions

• The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is mentioned as adhering to the timeline of defining contemporary artworks.
• The exhibition at the Municipal Museum of Bruneck focuses on the intersection of art and technology.

Artists and Their Work

• The artist associated with the work 'Mural, 1943' is Jackson Pollock.

Significance of the 1960s

• The 1960s is considered a reference point for the change from modern to contemporary art due to cultural and societal shifts during this era.

Understanding Contemporary Art

• In the context of contemporary art, 'contemporary' refers to artworks produced in the current time, reflecting the conditions, issues, and values of today's society.
• Contemporary art differentiates itself from other forms by being more diverse and inclusive, often challenging traditional boundaries and reflecting a plurality of voices.

Characteristics of Contemporary Art

• The primary obsession of contemporary art is to explore the human condition and societal issues through various mediums.
• Contemporary art utilizes new technologies, including digital media, to create innovative forms of expression.

Chronological Definitions

• Some define contemporary art chronologically by considering works created from the late 20th century to the present.
• Historically, contemporary art is seen as the art that reflects or responds to the postmodern condition, often questioning previous conventions and narratives.