Contemporary Arts Module 1 Quiz

Objectives of Lesson

• Define contemporary art in art historical, cultural, and stylistic terms.
• Differentiate contemporary art from modern art in the Philippine context.
• Identify major characteristics of contemporary art.

Understanding Art

• Origin of "art": Derived from "ars," signifying creation of something new and original.
• Definition: Art manifests human creativity and skills, aiming to imitate life and evoke beauty.
• Art as a communication tool: It effectively conveys messages and emotions.

Differences Between Modern and Contemporary Art

• Modern Art is defined as artwork produced from the 1860s to the early 1970s; focuses on self-expression.
• Contemporary Art encompasses works from the 1970s to the present; reflects current societal events and passions.
• Key terms:
  • "Modern": Related to a specific historical period.
  • "Contemporary": Pertains to the current moment, evolving and reflecting societal changes.

Historical Overview

• Modern Art era spans from the 1880s to 1960s; contemporary art follows, starting from the 1960s and ongoing.
• Relationship: Contemporary art is heavily influenced by the breakthroughs and innovations of modern art and technology.

Stylistic Overview

• Shift from realistic representation began in the early 20th century; contemporary artists often explore abstraction.
• New styles emphasize individual artistic expression rather than traditional forms.

Cultural Overview

• Modern Art is characterized by movements like Neo-Realism, particularly post-World War II.
• Contemporary Art embodies Social Realism, allowing diverse styles and freedom of expression.
• Cultural example: Ibn Saud Ahmad’s work reflects a blend of local Subanen and Maguindanao Muslim influences.

Characteristics of Contemporary Art

• Integrative: Freedom to use various media and styles; not confined to traditional trends (e.g., collage and kinetic art).
• Process-Based: Artists develop a concept rather than starting with a fixed end product; creativity evolves throughout the process.
• Site-Specific: Artwork’s meaning ties directly to its location; moving the piece alters its interpretation (e.g., glow-in-the-dark exhibits).
• Collaborative: Often emerges from teamwork, highlighting collective creativity in art production.

Objectives of Lesson 1

• Define contemporary art in art historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.
• Differentiate between contemporary and modern art within the Philippines.
• Identify the major characteristics of contemporary art.

Understanding Art

• Art originates from the Latin word "ars," signifying the creation of something new and original.
• It is a manifestation of human creativity and skills, aiming to imitate life and convey beauty.

Modern vs. Contemporary Art

• Modern Art: Created from the 1860s until the early 1970s, characterized by self-expression and design.
• Contemporary Art: Emerged after the 1960s, reflecting current societal events and passions.

Historical Overview

• Modern Art (1880s - 1960s) laid the groundwork for Contemporary Art, which continues to evolve.
• Technological advancements have influenced both movements.

Stylistic Overview

• Artists moved away from realistic representation since the early 20th century, embracing abstraction.

Cultural Overview

• Modern Art: Examples include Neo-Realism focusing on post-World War II realities.
• Contemporary Art: Engages with social realism and permits experimentation with styles, as seen in works by local artists like Ibn Saud Ahmad.

Characteristics of Contemporary Art

• Integrative: Freedom to blend various mediums and styles, such as collage or kinetic art.
• Process-Based: Artists focus on developing concepts rather than starting with a finalized idea.
• Site-Specific: Artworks relate directly to their location; changing the site alters their meaning.
• Collaborative: Involves input from multiple artists, leading to complex interpretations and spontaneous results.
• Interactive: Audience participation can alter the meaning of the artwork.
• Not Confined to Museums: Present in various venues, including public spaces like urban areas and transport stations.
• Online Sales: Artists can showcase and sell their works through online platforms, increasing accessibility.
• Self-Taught: Many contemporary artists learn without formal education, utilizing resources like online tutorials.

Example and Application

• Collaborative art might involve musicians, visual artists, and performers merging their skills.
• Public artworks, such as murals in Manila, illustrate the integration of art in everyday spaces.

Test your understanding of contemporary arts and its characteristics. This quiz covers the definition of contemporary art, its differentiation from modern art within the Philippine context, and highlights major features of this art form. Ideal for students seeking to deepen their knowledge about contemporary artistic expressions.