Difference Between Modern and Contemporary Art

Key Difference

Modern art and contemporary art are distinct periods in the history of art, each characterized by different styles, techniques, and philosophical approaches. Modern art refers to artistic works produced roughly from the 1860s to the 1970s, emphasizing innovation and breaking away from traditional forms. Contemporary art, however, refers to art created in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, focusing on concepts, diversity, and a blend of various mediums and techniques.

Comparative Analysis

1. Time Period:
   • Modern Art: Late 19th century to 1970s.
   • Contemporary Art: 1970s to present.
2. Stylistic Characteristics:
   • Modern Art: Abstract, experimentation with form.
   • Contemporary Art: Conceptually driven, diverse mediums.
3. Philosophical Focus:
   • Modern Art: Reaction against traditional aesthetics.
   • Contemporary Art: Reflects current society and issues.
4. Representative Artists:
   • Modern Art: Picasso, Matisse, Pollock.
   • Contemporary Art: Ai Weiwei, Damien Hirst, Cindy Sherman.
5. Cultural Context:
   • Modern Art: Industrial Revolution, World Wars.
   • Contemporary Art: Globalization, digital age.

Table Summary

Feature	Modern Art	Contemporary Art
Time Period	Late 19th century to 1970s	1970s to present
Characteristics	Abstract, form experimentation	Conceptual, diverse mediums
Focus	Against traditional aesthetics	Reflects current society
Artists	Picasso, Matisse	Ai Weiwei, Hirst
Context	Industrial Revolution, Wars	Globalization, digital age

Modern and contemporary art, while successive periods, are distinct in their artistic expressions, reflecting the changing cultural and societal contexts in which they emerged.