There are different definitions of contemporary art. In simple terms, contemporary art is the art of the present life. However, it should not be confused with modern art. Contemporary art, therefore, reflects and shapes up all the complexities of life, the things we face in our everyday lives, locally and globally. 

Contemporary art seeks to bring to life the ever-changing world. Contemporary artists working with top NYC children’s illustration agencies aim at exploring all areas of cultural identity through their work. The same artists also offer critiques of institutional and social structures in society.  

At times they attempt to redefine the meaning of art itself. In most cases, contemporary artists often raise difficult and provoking questions in their work without ever offering answers to such questions. This has been seen as controversial.

In approaching contemporary art with an open mind, being committed to dialogue and open debate are some of the best tools artists use to approach a work of contemporary art.

A brief history of contemporary art

Contemporary art was initially seen to grow from modern art; however, it has sidelined itself from this view or school of thought. Roger Fry and other artists founded the Contemporary Art Society in 1910. 

At this time, society was private and only meant to sell art to public museums. By the onset of 1930, more societies emerged with the same terminology. This means contemporary art was simply growing.

Artists at this time were able to distinguish modern art and contemporary art. Modern art is viewed as a style of art that aligns itself to a specific time. On the other hand, contemporary art is always in progress and does not stop improving. This adds more to the wide variety of outcomes and approaches employed by contemporary artists.

What style is contemporary art?

It is not easy describing one common style of contemporary art. Different artists approach their work in different ways. For instance, they can use various media and materials to convey various concepts, subject matter, and themes.

In the past, contemporary artists were mainly inspired by their client’s demands, mythology, and religion. Today artists are more inspired by expressions of self and many other things. They deliver art that reflects on their personal expressions, self, culture, and political climate. Since artists can travel and interact in different environments, they can develop diverse and global themes in their work.

What are the characteristics of contemporary art?

There are no redefining characteristics of contemporary art, and that is what makes it stand out. However, some common characteristics are shared across different contemporary art pieces globally. Here are some of the features to look out for:

• Contemporary children’s illustrators: Children illustrators are involved in creating pictures to accompany tests for books, clothes, toys, and other items used by kids. They create both fictional and non-fictional books.
• Contemporary artists are involved in coming up with new ideas and art forms by using anything available to their disposal, from plastic surgery to video game engineering. These artists use different diverse mediums to come up with their final art.
• Made with a concept: There is always an idea and concept behind every piece of contemporary art. In most cases, each artwork has a reason to exist.
• Working in groups: Some contemporary artists work together in groups, although there have been no such groups in the past.

Final Thoughts 

Contemporary art is the art of today. Children’s illustration is an example of contemporary art that completely changes how children view art. Modern and contemporary art is becoming more popular, and most people would like to venture into this field.