Perhaps, at some point, you've found yourself using the terms 'modern' and 'contemporary' interchangeably, akin to substituting 'potato' with 'tomato.' However, in the realm of art, these linguistic equivalences crumble like a house of cards. When it comes to art, 'modern' and 'contemporary' are not mere synonyms but represent two distinct yet interconnected chapters in the ever-evolving tapestry of artistic expression.

While 'modern' and 'contemporary' are often employed to denote what is current or trendy, in the context of art, these terms are tethered to specific historical periods, brimming with subsets and stylistic variations. So, let's embark on this enlightening journey.

The Crucial Element of Timing

The 'modern' art era unfurled its vibrant canvases during the 1860s and is believed to have gracefully bowed out around the 1970s, a span of roughly a century. Picture 'modern' as a 100-year symphony. In stark contrast, 'contemporary' art signifies the art being created today. It's important to note that pinpointing an exact inception date for contemporary art is a contentious endeavor, one that sparks debates among experts. Nevertheless, the distinction between these two terms gradually comes into focus.

Defining modern art

Art transcends chronology, delving deeper into ideology and belief systems within each period. The advent of modern art marked a monumental departure from the realistic and meticulously detailed artworks of yesteryears, ushering in a more fluid, subjective portrayal of reality and perspective. It is widely accepted that Édouard Manet's audacious masterpiece, 'Le Dejeuner sur l'Herbe' (Luncheon on the Grass), painted in 1863, was a pivotal moment in this artistic revolution. The art world purists were taken aback by Manet's audacious subversion of classical perspective.

By manipulating perspective, artists were emancipated to explore and convey meaning in their own unique ways. With the shackles of absolute realism cast aside, modern artists harnessed the power to guide the viewer's gaze, offering not just a readily discernible image but rather a gentle nudge towards interpretation.

As the 20th century dawned, the world hurtled through a period of unprecedented change. The Industrial Revolution, coupled with philosophical and psychiatric innovations, and the upheaval of devastating world wars, ushered in a new era of artistic creation. The mid-20th century witnessed the emergence of seismic artistic movements such as Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Suprematism, thanks to groundbreaking artists like Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Kazimir Malevich.

Defining contemporary art

The timeline of contemporary art, as acknowledged by institutions like the UK's Tate gallery, is marked by debate. The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York, for instance, establishes 1977 as the starting point for contemporary art. However, in the 1980s, Tate's interpretation differed, defining contemporary art as the work produced within the past ten years on a rolling basis. Regardless of the precise commencement date, contemporary art boldly embraces novel concepts that were previously uncharted territory, including installation art, digital art, and the nascent world of AI-generated art. These pioneering mediums and styles test the boundaries of what art is and can become.

The difference between modern and contemporary art

Now that we've grasped the notion that modern and contemporary art hail from distinct timeframes, the idea that contemporary art draws inspiration from its modern counterpart takes on greater clarity. Gone are the days when the terms 'modern' and 'contemporary' could be used interchangeably, for they are now infused with rich layers of meaning and context. Among the artists on Artfinder, you'll find those who craft art influenced by modern styles. Lilia Orlova-Holmes, an artist on Artfinder, shares her perspective on what truly defines contemporary art:

"I think contemporary art is inspired by many different styles from all periods of art history and built on all discoveries artists have made before. I believe art is the way to understand the world and to discover the truth; style and technique are irrelevant to me and all modern technologies can be used including video art and digital art."

Thus, remember this: contemporary artists indeed create art infused with a modern stylistic sensibility. However, the crux lies in the realization that, while it may exude a modern style, it is not synonymous with modern art. Do you see the distinction? It's akin to distinguishing between 'potato' and 'tomato.'