CONTEMPORARY ART AS A MIRROR OF THE PRESENT

CONTEMPORARY ART: A REFLECTION OF THE MODERN WORLD

Contemporary art is characterized by being a dynamic reflection of modern society, where the works explore themes such as identity, politics, globalization, and climate change. In my experience as a contemporary artist, every brushstroke in a contemporary artwork should aim to capture the essence of our time, expressing not just an aesthetic vision but also a message that connects with the viewer’s soul. This implies a truth: not everyone who works in or masters a plastic art such as painting, music, or cinema should be considered an artist, and I will explain why.

For a work to be considered contemporary art, it must meet two well-defined criteria:  

The first relates to form, such as the perfect use or mastery of a technique. The work must adhere to technical standards, including visual points, visual weights, saturation, value scales, etc.  

The second, and most important, is the content of the contemporary artwork. What the contemporary artist truly expresses through their work must be authentic and significant for expanding the viewer’s consciousness, providing more than just an anecdote.

This can be likened to body and spirit. The body is the work itself, the painting, the record of the painter’s technical mastery on the canvas. The spirit is the content of the contemporary artwork, what we at our contemporary art gallery call “what resonates with the soul.” It is the expression of the contemporary artist, what they wish to communicate.  

When these two criteria are met, we can consider the work to be true contemporary art.

CONTEMPORARY ART: EXPLORING NEW CREATIVE FRONTIERS

Contemporary art should not be confused with conceptual art, performance art, or digital art. As mentioned earlier, a work that lacks both form and content should not be considered contemporary art. We want to make it clear to our clients at Alma Art Gallery that a work of contemporary art stands the test of time and space. A work displayed in a museum can be exhibited on the street and still impact the viewer in the same way.  

Today, some try to disguise something vain, devoid of technique, and bordering on the ridiculous as contemporary art. We won’t mention examples, but in recent times, there has been a narrative trying to sell something as absurd as a banana taped to a museum wall as contemporary art, which is a deception and a disrespect to true contemporary artists and art lovers.

CONTEMPORARY PAINTINGS: THE NEW ERA OF VISUAL EXPRESSION

Contemporary paintings have transformed the canvas into a space for experimentation, where artists play with textures, colors, and unconventional techniques. My experience with these works has led me to discover new ways to express emotions, from gestural brushstrokes to dripping in abstract compositions.  

Contemporary art must respect the audience by strictly adhering to formal and substantive requirements. In each contemporary painting, the interpretation of the viewer is just as important as the artist’s intention.

THERE ARE NO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART; WE LIVE IN A CONSTANT PRESENT

Although often confused, modern art and contemporary art express the same thing: they aim to indicate that the work was created in the present. But what are the limits of these concepts when, by the time you finish reading this paragraph, it is already the past.

Some claim that modern art focuses on breaking with the traditions of the past, which is false for the reasons mentioned earlier. Many argue that contemporary art is based on exploring new forms of communication, which brings with it a variety of absurdities that try to pass as contemporary art. As contemporary artists, we want you to engrain in your mind that there is only one true art, and it is imbued with both form and substance; otherwise, it cannot be considered art. We urge our clients not to be deceived by these new marketing trends that attempt to pass off ridiculous spectacles as contemporary art, degrading both art and the general audience, and creating an even greater barrier between the artist and the public.

CONTEMPORARY ARTWORKS: ARTISTIC REFLECTIONS OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Contemporary artworks are not only a reflection of the technical skill of the contemporary artist, but also a vehicle for transmitting complex ideas. In my own work, each contemporary artwork seeks to spark a conversation about the relationship between the individual and their environment as a human being in contact with the world around them, whether through the use of abstract symbols or more narrative elements.  

Contemporary artworks have a depth that invites the viewer to explore beyond the surface.

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS: VANGUARDS OF THE PRESENT

Art is timeless; it has no set timeframe. A work created two centuries ago can express and move as much or more than a work created today. This is most evident in literature and music a book from another century can change your mind in an exceptional and wonderful way, just as a contemporary artwork can. In our expert opinion, contemporary art is understood as that created by a living contemporary artist in the present.  

Contemporary artists have always left their mark on the global artistic scene, challenging traditional notions of beauty and aesthetics. Through my experience in exhibitions and contemporary art galleries, I have had the privilege of observing how these contemporary artists transform the way we view contemporary art. My own works have also been influenced by interactions with other contemporary artists, creating a dialogue between our visions.

CONTEMPORARY PAINTINGS: EXPRESSIONS OF THE PRESENT

Contemporary paintings have taken a crucial role in today’s visual culture, combining traditional techniques with technological innovations, such as high-quality oils and the incorporation of new colors. Some famous contemporary paintings have been recognized not only for their aesthetics but also for their ability to generate debates on current issues. Incorporating this capacity to resonate with contemporary problems, inviting the viewer to deeper reflection, should be taken into account when evaluating the contemporary artwork for sale that you seek to acquire in building your contemporary art collection.

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS OF PERU: A RISING VOICE IN THE GLOBALIZED WORLD

Contemporary art in Peru has always been at the forefront of contemporary art. Great famous contemporary artists such as Fernando de Szyszlo, Tilsa Tsuchiya, and Venancio Shinki have left a significant mark on the global scene, with contemporary artists who fuse the traditional and the modern in their works.  

Today, the work of the great famous contemporary artist Aldo Acosta Scholz is making a profound impact on contemporary art. The beauty of his work and the depth of its content make his pieces a magnificent example of today’s contemporary art.

FAMOUS CONTEMPORARY ARTWORKS: FAMOUS EXAMPLES AND THEIR CULTURAL IMPACT

A famous contemporary artwork must have a lasting cultural impact. Works by artists like Banksy or Kris Kuksi have transcended the artistic realm to become social phenomena, connecting with the public in a way that resonates beyond the visual.

HOW TO BUY CONTEMPORARY ART: A GUIDE FOR NEW COLLECTORS

If you are interested in*buying contemporary art, it is essential to consider the authenticity and long-term value of each piece. At Gallery Contemporary Art Alma, each work comes with a certificate of authenticity, ensuring that collectors acquire valuable pieces. The **sale of contemporary art** is not only a financial investment but also an investment in culture and the preservation of the creative spirit.

CONCLUSION: THE TRANSFORMATION OF CONTEMPORARY ART

The term contemporary art should be understood as art created by current contemporary artists, not as an artistic movement. Like all art, it should be a window into the human condition of the 21st century.  

Contemporary art must seek not only to reflect the realities of the modern world but also to question and explore them through a personal lens. The contemporary paintings present in contemporary art continue to be a vital force that challenges our perceptions and invites us to dream of new possibilities.

Alma Art Gallery Staff of Experts