Modern and Contemporary Art Overview

Modern Art

• Encompasses artistic works from the 19th century to mid-20th century.
• Emphasizes individuality and explores new perspectives on reality and art.
• Major movements include:
  • Impressionism: Focuses on light and atmospheric effects.
  • Cubism: Deconstructs objects into geometric shapes, showing multiple perspectives.
  • Surrealism: Explores the unconscious and dream-like imagery.
  • Abstract Expressionism: Emphasizes spontaneous and personal expression through abstraction.

Contemporary Art

• Refers to art made by living artists, created from the late 20th century to today.
• Prioritizes social impact and addresses current societal issues.

Tropical Climate and Biodiversity

• Tropical countries maintain warm temperatures year-round with minimal seasonal changes.
• The Philippines, characterized by a tropical climate, is rich in:
  • Flora: Diverse plant life.
  • Fauna: Bountiful animal species.

Art

• Defined as an imitation of life, presented aesthetically for pleasure.

Aristotle's Influence on Art

• Among early thinkers discussing art, particularly in "Poetics."
• Proposed that art imitates life (mimesis), a natural human pursuit.
• Believed art teaches, provides pleasure, and offers catharsis to audiences.
• His ideas significantly shaped Western artistic philosophy.

Important Elements of Art

• Medium: Refers to the materials and tools used (e.g., paint, clay, digital).
• Subject: Represents what the artwork depicts; conveys the artist's message.

Major Forms of Art

• Picture: Two-dimensional visual art (paintings, drawings).
• Sculpture: Three-dimensional works formed from materials like stone or clay.
• Architecture: Design of structures intended for shelter with artistic significance.
• Music: Art form created through the arrangement of sounds in harmony.
• Literature: Language art that combines words to create meaning and experience.
• Theater: Performance art involving dramatic text, enhanced with props and sounds.
• Cinema: Technological evolution of theater using visual effects for storytelling.
• Dancing: Artistic expression through choreographed movement of the human body.

J. Paul Getty Museum's Definition

• Defines contemporary art as created by artists currently active in the art world.

Appropriation in Contemporary Art

• Involves reworking existing objects or images to create new art forms.
• Highlights a dialogue between past art forms and present realities.

Performance Art

• Contemporary performance emphasizes spontaneous elements and unpredictability.

Space in Art

• Site-specific art interacts with its environment, considering factors like placement and perspective.

Hybridity in Art

• Combines unconventional materials to produce innovative artwork.

Role of Technology in Art

• Contemporary artists incorporate technology in creating and sharing art.
• The emergence of MTV in 1981 marked a significant shift in media interaction.

Intersection of Performance and Space

• Performance and spatial elements work independently and together to create meaning and spectacle.

Impact of the Internet

• Offers unprecedented accessibility to diverse forms of art.